How to see the Lyrid meteor shower, spring's best chance to catch a ...
Our guide to the Lyrid meteor shower, where in the sky to look to see a shooting star, and top tips for spotting a shower meteor this year.
www.skyatnightmagazine.comThe latest UK coverage says the Lyrid meteor shower is active now, from 15–25 April 2026, with the best viewing around the night of 21/22 and 22/23 April. Peak rates are expected to be modest, about 18 meteors per hour, though occasional fireballs are possible if skies are clear.[6][7]
What to know
- The shower is visible across the UK, and no region has a major advantage; cloud cover and light pollution matter most.[4]
- Best viewing is after midnight, with the radiant in Lyra higher in the sky later at night.[9][4]
- The Moon should be less of an issue this year, which improves the chances of spotting meteors.[8]
What makes it notable
- The Lyrids are one of the oldest recorded meteor showers, linked to Comet Thatcher.[2][7]
- They are known for fast, bright meteors, and sometimes produce fireballs.[1][7]
Practical viewing tip
Go outside somewhere dark, let your eyes adjust for 15–20 minutes, and look broadly across the sky rather than directly at the constellation Lyra, since meteors can appear anywhere.[2][4]