NASA is tracking the Lyrid meteor shower, which peaks this weekend. NASA will track the annual sky show by using a network of all-sky cameras, the International Space Station, and a balloon launched by students in California, so there will be plenty to see even if you can't make it outside to view these "shooting stars" over the weekend.
The Lyrid meteor shower peaks late Saturday, April 21 into early Sunday, April 22. Viewers will see the "shooting stars" coming out of the constellation Lyra around midnight local time. They actually come from the dust from the comet Thatcher. The weather is so beautiful in many areas of the U.S. that this will be the perfect viewing situation for these stunning meteors.
While this is not one of the year's major meteor showers, it is still worth viewing especially since the moon is in its "new" phase. Viewers will see roughly 15-20 meteors each hour, which will be fun to watch even if it isn't the dozens that the year's other showers offer. The timing of this show is great because it is in April where weather is often mild and before bugs and pests are distracting at night.
To have the best chance of seeing the shower's most stunning meteor, lay flat on your back and look up. That will give you the best view of the long-tail shooting stars. Will you be outside tonight around midnight viewing the Lyrid meteor shower?
Like this article? See more by Kate James at Gather.com
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