Saturday, November 14, 2026
The radiant point of the Lyrid meteor shower is near the star Alpha Lyrae (proper name Vega), the brightest star in the constellation Lyra the Harp. At the time of the Lyrids' peak each year (around April 22), you will find this radiant point in the northeast in late evening and higher in the sky as night passes. Although the meteors appear to radiate from a point in the sky near the bright star Vega, they are not truly associated with this distant star. Instead, meteors in annual showers like the Lyrids originate as relatively nearby bits of debris left behind in the orbits of comets. The comet associated with the Lyrids is periodic Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher.
It’s been a while since we’ve had a meteor shower so stargazers are excited for the Lyrid’s coming this month. The Lyrid Meteor Shower produces a normal number of meteors – 15 to 20 per hour. The peak night is late night Thursday, April 21st into early morning Friday, April 22nd. We’re just five days past the full Pink Moon (happening April 16th), so it’s best to look for the Lyrid meteor’s between midnight and 2:00 AM. Once the moon rises, it will lighten the sky and make it harder to see the fainter meteors but you’ll still be able to see some!
Another great viewing opportunity this week is on Sunday, April 24th just before sunrise. Look just to the upper left of the waning crescent moon for Saturn – about a fist diameter away. Mars, Venus and Jupiter are further off to the left. Venus will be the brightest, right in the middle, with Mars to its right and Jupiter to its left. This photo-worthy configuration will be around for a few more days with the fingernail moon appearing just below Jupiter and Venus prior to dawn on the 27th.
Keep looking up!
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