Earth Day happens once a year, but it doesn’t always coincide with the peak of a meteor shower. On April 22 – Earth Day – the Lyrids meteor shower will be at its most active point. What a way to celebrate our planet!
Meteor showers occur all throughout the year, but the Lyrids are particularly special because they take place around Earth Day in mid-to-late April.
Rachael Armstead / EyeEm Collection / Getty Images This year, the shower will actually peak on Earth Day, making for a celestial celebration visible from all over the world.
While the Lyrids aren’t a particularly active meteor shower, they make up for it with brightness.
themotioncloud / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection / Getty Images In fact, it’s one of the brightest meteor showers of the entire year!
The Lyrids typically produce about 18 meteors per hour - which, compared to the upwards of 150 seen in the Geminids, doesn’t sound like much - but there are rare exceptions.
retrophotos / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images Once every 60 years or so, a “Lyrid outburst” occurs, a phenomenon that sent more than 700 meteors hurtling through the sky back in 1803.
Sadly, the full moon will further complicate things this year.
Apexphotos / Moment Collection / Getty Images The meteors will have to compete with its brightness, so don’t expect the most dazzling performance you’ve ever seen.
Here’s the good news: viewing the Lyrids doesn’t require any special equipment (nope, not even a pair of binoculars).
Jonathan Galione / Moment Open Collection / Getty Images Even with several factors working against us, we can still observe the shower with our naked eyes.
In general, a good rule of thumb with celestial events is to find the most remote viewing location possible.
Eric Lowenbach / Moment Collection / Getty Images That shouldn’t be too difficult here in Arizona, considering we have some of the darkest skies on Earth.
We can’t wait to celebrate our home planet in such a special way.
ANDRZEJ WOJCICKI / Science Photo Library Collection / Getty Images Don’t forget to stay up past midnight on April 22 and enjoy the show!
Click here to learn more about the Lyrids.
Rachael Armstead / EyeEm Collection / Getty Images
This year, the shower will actually peak on Earth Day, making for a celestial celebration visible from all over the world.
themotioncloud / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection / Getty Images
In fact, it’s one of the brightest meteor showers of the entire year!
retrophotos / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Once every 60 years or so, a “Lyrid outburst” occurs, a phenomenon that sent more than 700 meteors hurtling through the sky back in 1803.
Apexphotos / Moment Collection / Getty Images
The meteors will have to compete with its brightness, so don’t expect the most dazzling performance you’ve ever seen.
Jonathan Galione / Moment Open Collection / Getty Images
Even with several factors working against us, we can still observe the shower with our naked eyes.
Eric Lowenbach / Moment Collection / Getty Images
That shouldn’t be too difficult here in Arizona, considering we have some of the darkest skies on Earth.
ANDRZEJ WOJCICKI / Science Photo Library Collection / Getty Images
Don’t forget to stay up past midnight on April 22 and enjoy the show!
Will you be watching the Lyrids meteor shower peak on Earth Day this year? If so, where in Arizona do you plan on viewing it from? Let us know in the comments section, and check out our previous article for more information about dark skies in Arizona.
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Address: Arizona, USA
