Texas State University Observatory

The Lyrids are Coming

            This is already proving to be a fascinating year in space exploration. 2014 has already seen its first of four eclipses, however, that was only the beginning. The Lyrid meteor shower is set to reach its peak on April 22, 2014. Coincidentally, the shower falls on Earth Day this year. This is believed to be one of the oldest meteor showers in existence. The shower takes place in the constellation of Lyra near the constellation’s brightest star, Vega. The Lyra constellation, when viewed from earth, assumes the shape of a harp. The shower occurs when the earth crosses the orbital path of the Thatcher comet.

While the Lyrid meteor shower is the grandest that we will see this year, it will still be a real treat for star gazers and astronomers alike. The higher that Vega climbs, the more meteors we will see. This could result in as many as 20 meteors per hour. The best time to watch is between midnight and dawn tonight. However, for those of us without a telescope, NASA will be livestreaming the Lyrid meteor shower at http://www.nasa.gov/topics/solarsystem/features/watchtheskies/lyrids-ustream-2014.html#.U1VWDFVdVnE .