Lyrid meteor shower due to peak in just a few days - where and when is best to see it

Lyrid meteor shower due to peak in just a few days - where and when is best to see itThe Lyrid meteor shower is visible now and peaking soon. Here's where and when to spot it.CommentsNewsLindsay Dodgson06:00, 19 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesLet your eyes adjust to the darkness to get the best chance of seeing the display(Image: PA)Keen stargazers out there are in for a treat as the Lyrid meteor shower lights up the skies this month, with up to 20 shooting stars an hour expected at its peak on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.‌This year's display is getting a welcome boost thanks to a dim crescent moon, meaning darker skies and better viewing conditions.‌When is it?The dates of activity for the Lyrics, according to the Royal Observatory's calendar, are the 16th to 25th April. The best date to see them will be April 22. The constellation Lyra rises in the north-east and climbs higher as the night goes on.‌To find Lyra, look for Vega, one of the brightest stars in the night sky at this time of year. Vega will shine brightly above the north-eastern horizon shortly after sunset and rise higher into the sky overnight. Stargazing apps can help pinpoint it.But don't stare directly at the radiant, because the longest and most dramatic streaks are often seen slightly away from it. Scanning the surrounding sky and keeping a general watch overhead gives you a better chance of spotting them.READ MORE: Huge green fireball confirmed as meteor after flying over BritainREAD MORE: Artemis moon mission in amazing photos as astronauts return to EarthView 3 ImagesStargazers can expert 10 to 20 shooting stars per hour during this year's Lyrid meteor shower(Image: AP)‌How many shooting stars will there be?Under ideal conditions, you could see 15 to 20 meteors per hour, according to NASA and Space.com. The Lyrids are known for producing fast, bright streaks that can occasionally leave glowing dust trails behind them.The shower is visible worldwide, but views are best i...