When to watch - 2023 Lyrid meteor shower

As long as the clouds stay out of the way, this year should be a good one for viewing the Lyrid meteor shower.

The Lyrid meteor shower occurs every year in mid to late April, typically between April 16 and April 25. The peak of the Lyrid meteor shower usually occurs around April 22-23, although some meteors may be visible for several days before and after the peak.

This year's peak is predicted during the evening hours of Saturday, April 22, into the predawn hours of Sunday, April 23. April's new moon falls on April 20, meaning there will be little moonlight to interfere with your view of the meteors. With this year's peak, 10-20 meteors per hour may be visible.

This meteor shower has been observed since ancient times. Humans have watched this astronomical event for over 2,600 years, making it one of the oldest known meteor showers. It was first recorded by Chinese astronomers in 687 BC!

To get the best view of the Lyrid meteor shower, it's best to find a location away from city lights and to give your eyes 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness. You don't need any special equipment to view the meteor shower – just a clear sky and a comfortable place to lie down and look up.

Also, don't forget to check the WeatherRadar to get a close look at sky conditions before you stargaze!