Skywatchers across North America are preparing for the Lyrid meteor shower, one of the oldest known annual displays, which peaks this week with favorable viewing conditions.
The shower is active from April 15 to April 29, 2026, and peaks on the night of April 21 into the early morning hours of April 22, per the Denver Astronomical Society.
Under dark skies, observers may see 10 to 20 meteors per hour radiating from the constellation Lyra near the bright star Vega. The Lyrids originate from debris left by Comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher).
This year, a thin crescent moon or moonless periods after midnight will minimize light interference, offering better visibility than in some past years, according to NASA skywatching tips.
The best viewing window is after midnight through dawn on April 22.
Experts recommend finding a dark location away from city lights, allowing eyes to adjust for 20 to 30 minutes, and looking generally toward the east and overhead. No special equipment is needed.
NASA notes that the Lyrids are visible from both hemispheres but perform best in the Northern Hemisphere.
The shower has been observed since at least 687 B.C., making it one of the longest-recorded meteor events, per NASA.
For Texas residents, the moonless conditions early on April 22 provide an excellent opportunity for family viewing sessions in rural areas or parks with minimal light pollution, such as Big Bend National Park, according to TravelPirates. Clear weather forecasts for that night will play a key role in local success.
Many families and astronomy enthusiasts are planning outings to darker sites away from urban glow to maximize their chances of spotting the fast-moving meteors, some of which leave glowing trains visible for several seconds.
The Lyrids are known for occasional bright fireballs, and some meteors leave glowing trains. The meteors enter Earth’s atmosphere at about 49 kilometers per second. While the peak rate is modest compared to some showers, the combination of dark skies this year and the shower’s historical significance draws steady interest each April.