Easter Week’s Sky Lights Up with Shooting Stars, Plus Two Meteor Showers Coming in May
As Earth journeys along its path, it sweeps up trails of comet debris that ignite our skies with meteor showers, also known as shooting stars. This year, the Lyrid meteor shower is poised to deliver a spectacular celestial show, peaking on the night of April 21 into the early hours of April 22. As the first major meteor shower since the Quadrantids, it’s a highly anticipated event for stargazers worldwide. Coinciding with Earth Day celebrations, this shower offers a perfect opportunity to spend time outdoors appreciating the night sky. Visible globally, weather permitting, the Lyrids promise to captivate audiences with their dazzling display of shooting stars.
For the best view of the Lyrid meteor shower, head outside between midnight and 5 a.m. on April 22, with the absolute prime time falling between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. local time. During these hours, the radiant—the point from which the meteors appear to originate—will be high in the sky, and the waning crescent moon will rise late, minimizing interference from moonlight. Under dark, rural skies, you can expect to see 15–20 meteors per hour, with the possibility of even more during surprise outbursts.
For the best view of the Lyrid meteor shower, head outside between midnight and dawn on April 22,during, with peak viewing hours between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. During this period, the radiant—the point from which meteors appear to originate—will be high in the sky. The waning crescent moon will rise late, around 3:30 a.m., minimizing interference from moonlight for much of the night. Under dark, rural skies away from city lights, you might see around 15–20 meteors per hour. Since the Lyrids occasionally produce meteor surges, rates can sometimes climb unexpectedly as high as 100 meteors per hour.
Following the Lyrid meteor shower, the Eta Aquariid and Camelopardalid meteor showers will continue the cosmic spectacle into May, ensuring that skywatchers have plenty to look forward to. We’re happy to shine a light on all three of these upcoming star shows:
The Lyrid Meteor Shower: A Reliable Spectacle
One of the oldest recorded meteor showers, the Lyrids have been lighting up our skies for thousands of years. Peaking on April 22-23, this dependable shower produces bright, swift meteors that often leave glowing trails behind. To catch this celestial show, find a dark location with minimal light pollution, bundle up warmly, and be patient. The highest activity is expected around 2 a.m., so prepare a warm drink and get ready to be amazed by the magic of the night sky!
May Meteor Showers: A Double Treat
May brings not one, but two thrilling meteor showers to watch. The Eta Aquariids, peaking on May 5-6 just before dawn, are known for their swift, brilliant streaks and are debris from the famous Halley’s Comet. Later in the month, the Camelopardalids peak on May 23-24, offering a newer display of bright meteors visible in the late evening.
Tips for Meteor Shower Viewing
To make the most of your meteor shower experience:
- Find a dark location with minimal light pollution for the clearest view.
- Dress warmly and bring blankets or chairs to stay comfortable during the wait.
- Be patient and give your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust fully to the darkness.
- Meteors often appear in bursts—if you see one, more are likely to follow.
- Avoid staring directly at the radiant point; look slightly away to see longer meteor trails.
- Use a meteor shower app or planetarium software to identify constellations, locate the radiant, and find the best viewing times.
- Look toward the constellation Lyra, near the bright star Vega, to find the Lyrid meteor shower’s radiant point.
- Minimize phone screen brightness or use a red light to preserve your night vision.
- Check the weather forecast beforehand and choose a clear, cloudless night for viewing.
- View with friends or family to make it a fun and memorable experience!
Shooting Star Magic—Fascinating Meteor Trivia:
- The oldest written record of a meteor shower comes from China in 687 BC, describing “stars falling like rain” during the Han Dynasty.
- Ancient cultures often viewed meteors as omens or messages from the gods. Some, like the Maya, timed important events—such as royal ceremonies—to coincide with meteor showers, reflecting a deep celestial awareness.
- The brightest meteors, known as fireballs, can occasionally be seen during the day. These spectacular events have fascinated humans for millennia, including the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, who documented bright “flaming torches” in the sky in 427 BC.
- Some of the earliest iron tools and jewelry were made from meteorites. Ancient Egyptians, Hittites, and other cultures prized meteoritic iron for its celestial origin and used it in artifacts dating back thousands of years.
- The Leonid meteor storm of 1833 was an extraordinary event, with peak rates estimated between 50,000 and 100,000 meteors per hour, far surpassing typical meteor showers. This dramatic display not only inspired the first widespread scientific study of meteor showers in North America but also confirmed that meteors originate from space rather than the atmosphere.
- The Leonids are the most prolific meteor shower known, with especially spectacular storms recorded in 1833, 1866, 1966, and 2001. While most years see a modest 10 to 15 meteors per hour, the Leonids’ rare storms can unleash thousands of meteors per hour, captivating skywatchers worldwide. For 2025, the Leonid meteor shower will peak on the night of November 16–17, with the best viewing in the early morning hours before dawn on November 17.
As you look up at the starry night sky, the magic of meteor showers beckons—ready to mesmerize and inspire with fleeting, fiery trails of light. This timeless and universal spectacle transcends borders and generations, leaving an unforgettable mark on the human experience.
