During the Lilid Meteor Shower, when it reaches its peak, you’ll have your first opportunity to witness the spring Shooting Star.
In previous years, Lilid has amazed observers with up to 100 meteors per hour, although this year’s activity is expected to be lower.
Thaddeus Lacoursiere, the planetarium program coordinator at the Bell Museum in St. Paul, Minnesota, anticipates approximately six meteors per hour during the peak on Tuesday morning.
The waning crescent moon is at 40%, offering a reasonable chance for visibility under clear, dark skies.
Viewing will persist until April 26th. Here’s what you need to know about Lyrids and more Meteor showers.
What is a Meteor Shower?
As Earth orbits the Sun, it passes through debris left by comets and occasionally asteroids several times each year. The Lilid shower originates from a fragment of Thatcher’s comet.
When these swiftly moving space rocks enter Earth’s atmosphere, they encounter air resistance, which causes them to heat up and ultimately burn.
Occasionally, the surrounding air illuminates briefly, creating a glowing tail—the hallmark of a “shooting star.”
No special equipment is necessary to witness the meteor showers that occur annually, provided you’re away from city lights.
How to View the Meteor Shower
The optimal time to observe meteor showers is early when the moon is low in the sky.
Competing light sources, including bright moons and artificial illumination, significantly hinder the visibility of meteors. A clear, moonless night presents the ideal opportunity for observation.
So, keep your gaze upward! If you haven’t been distracted by your phone, your eyes are primed to spot a shooting star.
When will the next meteor shower occur?
The next prominent meteor shower, the ETA Aquarids, will peak in early May.
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Source: apnews.com