The Lyrid meteor shower, one of the most anticipated meteor showers of the year, is set to peak on April 22-23. It will be visible in both hemispheres, and it is expected to produce approximately 18 meteors per hour. However, visibility may be affected by weather conditions and geographic location.
This year, the Lyrid meteor shower will not be obstructed by the moon, giving you a better chance to see most of the meteors that are typically overshadowed by the moon’s brightness. The moon will be in a waning crescent phase with 30% illumination. (Use our moon phase calculator to determine the moon phase as well as the moonrise and set times for your specific location.)
Where to watch the Lyrid meteor shower?
The Lyrid meteor shower can be observed in the constellation Lyra, from which it gets its name. This constellation serves as the radiant point for the Lyrid meteor shower. A radiant point is a point in the sky from which the meteors appear to originate.
Lyrid Meteor Shower 2025 New York, USA
- Peak Date: 21-22 April, 2025
- Radiant Rise: 21 Apr 2025, 20:31
- Radiant Set: 22 Apr 2025, 13:24
- Moonrise: 22 Apr 2025, 03:26
- Moonset: 22 Apr 2025, 13:39
Lyrid Meteor Shower 2025 London, UK
- Peak Date: 22-23 April, 2025
- Radiant: Up all the time
- Moonrise: 23 Apr 2025, 04:17
- Moonset: 23 Apr 2025, 14:21
Lyrid Meteor Shower 2025 Mumbai, India
- Peak Date: 22-23 April, 2025
- Radiant Rise: 22 Apr 2025, 21:43
- Radiant Set: 23 Apr 2025, 11:36
- Moonrise: 23 Apr 2025, 02:51
- Moonset: 23 Apr 2025, 14:33
Parent body of the Lyrid meteor shower
The Lyrids are the debris trail from the Comet Thatcher, a long-period comet that orbits the sun every 415.5 years. i.e., the Lyrid meteor shower occurs when the Earth passes through the debris trail of the comet Thatcher.
Why should you watch the Lyrid meteor shower?
The Lyrids are one of the most exciting and anticipated meteor showers of the year. They are also one of the oldest meteor showers, with the first observations dating back to 687 B.C. and 15 B.C., noted by Chinese astronomers.
The Lyrids are also known for producing bright meteors, and in some years, the Lyrid meteor shower intensifies, potentially producing up to 100 meteors per hour in what is called an “outburst.” However, it’s difficult to predict exactly when this will happen.
How to watch a meteor shower?
You can watch a meteor shower with unaided eyes, and that’s what makes the meteor showers more special and sought after! Here are some tips to ensure you have an amazing meteor watching experience:
In summary, the Lyrid meteor shower peaks on April 21-22-23, 2025. It will be visible from both hemispheres and is expected to produce around 18 meteors per hour, offering a great chance to watch shooting stars for both professional and amateur stargazers. With the moon in its waning gibbous phase, the sky will be dark enough to spot even the fainter meteors.
