Far PsamatheM - Propra verko, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=117730626
FORT McMURRAY, Alta. — One of the oldest recorded meteor showers is set to return to northern skies this month, with the annual Lyrid display expected to peak overnight April 21 into the early hours of April 22.
Astronomy observers say the shower will be active from April 15 through April 29, with the best viewing conditions expected after midnight when the radiant point rises higher above the horizon.
“The Lyrids are a reliable, ancient spectacle known for producing bright, colorful meteors and occasional fireballs,” said Richard Covey, an amateur astronomer and member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. “Early morning hours of April 22nd (before dawn) is the best time to witness them.”
“This year the peak activity is near a new moon, meaning minimal moonlight interference and dark, favorable skies,” Covey said.
Under ideal conditions, observers can expect to see between 10 and 20 meteors per hour, though visibility will depend on cloud cover and light pollution. The Lyrids are known for their speed and brightness, often leaving glowing dust trails that linger briefly in the sky.
While typically moderate in intensity, the Lyrids have also produced occasional outbursts, with rates far exceeding normal activity and including particularly bright meteors known as fireballs. Those rare events can dramatically increase viewing rates for short periods.
The meteors appear to originate from the constellation Lyra, near the bright star Vega, but can be seen across the entire sky. Experts say viewers should avoid looking directly at the radiant point, instead focusing slightly to the side to catch longer and more visible streaks.
Astronomers recommend heading to a dark, open area away from city lights, allowing at least 20 to 30 minutes for eyes to adjust to the darkness, and lying back to take in as much of the sky as possible. No special equipment such as telescopes or binoculars is required.
The Lyrid meteor shower is caused by debris left behind by Comet C/1861 G1, also known as Comet Thatcher, which orbits the sun approximately once every 415 years. As Earth passes through this debris field each spring, particles burn up in the atmosphere, creating the streaks of light visible from the ground.
With favourable conditions expected this year, observers in northern Alberta may have a strong opportunity to view the annual celestial event, provided skies remain clear during the peak hours.
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