The Lyrid meteor shower is set to peak on April 22, 2025, offering skywatchers a chance to witness this celestial event. According to NASA, the best viewing time will be in the early morning hours, ideally between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. local time, just before dawn.
The radiant, the point from which the meteors appear to originate, is located near the constellation Lyra, close to the bright star Vega. However, it's recommended not to focus directly on the radiant, as the most spectacular meteors often appear further away, streaking across the surrounding sky. The Royal Observatory Greenwich notes that waiting until after midnight when the radiant point has risen in the East will provide optimal viewing.
Under ideal conditions, with dark skies away from city lights, observers can expect to see around 15 to 20 meteors per hour. NASA notes that the Lyrids are known for occasional outbursts, where the number of meteors can surge up to 100 per hour. The shower is active between April 16 and April 25. The Lyrid meteor shower is associated with Comet Thatcher, a long-period comet that orbits the sun every 415.5 years.