Northern Hemisphere, after midnightWhere it's visible
~18 / hourPeak rate
YesVisible from the U.S.
1%Moon at peak
Viewing advice
Northern hemisphere favoured. Lyra climbs high after midnight in the north and stays low from southern latitudes.
The best time to see Lyrid Meteor Shower in 2028 is April 22-23, 2028. Timing status: Predicted dates.
Ancient dust from Comet Thatcher lights up spring.
One of the oldest recorded showers, the Lyrids bring a modest but reliable spring display, with the occasional bright fireball. Best after midnight, well away from city lights.
Moon at the peak: new moon, 1% lit (ideal). Almost no moonlight, so even the faint meteors show. About as good as this shower gets.
Why it happens
Comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher)
Inclined 80° to Earth's orbit. Every April, Earth reaches the node where this comet's dust crosses its path, and the debris burns up as the shower.
