How to spot the 2025 Lyrids and Eta Aquarids meteor showers

Upcoming Meteor Showers: Lyrids and Eta Aquarids to Light Up April and May Skies

Sky enthusiasts, prepare for a celestial spectacle as the Lyrids and Eta Aquarids meteor showers are set to illuminate the night sky in the coming weeks. This year, these annual astronomical events will be visible in quick succession during April and May. The prominent Lyrids shower will reach its peak visibility on the night of April 21st into the morning of April 22nd. Following shortly after, the Eta Aquarids meteor shower will culminate between midnight and dawn on May 5th, offering multiple opportunities for stargazers to witness these breathtaking displays.

What are the Lyrids?

The Lyrids meteor shower originates from debris shed by Comet Thatcher. As Earth passes through this stream of particles, they enter our atmosphere and burn up, creating the luminous streaks of light we observe as meteors. The radiant point, or the apparent origin of these meteors in the sky, lies within the constellation Lyra in the Northern Hemisphere, home to the bright star Vega. Observations of the Lyrids date back at least 2700 years. According to Margaret Campbell-Brown of Western University, Canada, the Lyrids are considered a smaller major shower. “The rates are not as prolific as other meteor showers, but they are known to produce a notable number of brilliant meteors,” she notes.

When to View the Lyrids

The Lyrids meteor shower is active this year from April 17th to April 26th. Peak activity is anticipated on the night of April 21st, with optimal viewing just before sunrise on April 22nd. Mark your calendars to witness this celestial event during its most intense period.

Maximizing Your Lyrids Viewing Experience

For the best views of the Lyrids, observers in the Northern Hemisphere should look to the dark skies in the pre-dawn hours. Meteors will typically appear as swift streaks of light, occasionally exhibiting bright flashes. On a typical night, you might observe five to six meteors per hour. During the peak, this rate can increase to between 10 and 20 meteors. While the constellation Lyra is below the horizon for much of the Southern Hemisphere, some Lyrids meteors may still be visible. Campbell-Brown advises that moonlight might pose a minor interference this year, “however, the presence of numerous bright meteors can often overcome this limitation.”

What are the Eta Aquarids?

The Eta Aquarids meteor shower is composed of icy and rocky fragments originally ejected from Halley’s Comet. These particles enter Earth’s atmosphere at high speed and disintegrate, resulting in a spectacular light show in the night sky. The radiant of the Eta Aquarids is situated near Eta Aquarii, one of the brighter stars within the constellation Aquarius. Campbell-Brown states, “The Eta Aquarids are a particularly fascinating shower, sometimes exhibiting significant surges in activity.” However, she predicts that this year’s display is likely to be more moderate.

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When to Observe the Eta Aquarids

This year, the Eta Aquarids meteor shower will be observable from April 20th to May 28th. The prime time for viewing will be during its peak phase, occurring between midnight and dawn on May 5th. Set your alarms for an early morning to catch the height of this shower.

Optimizing Your Eta Aquarids Observation

The Southern Hemisphere offers the most favorable vantage point for observing the Eta Aquarids meteor shower. While also visible in the Northern Hemisphere, the radiant point remains low on the horizon, requiring skywatchers to direct their gaze towards the horizon. Campbell-Brown explains, “In the Northern Hemisphere, the shower’s radiant ascends only a few hours before daybreak, and daylight encroaches by the time it climbs higher, thus limiting the viewing window.” The Eta Aquarids are also known to occasionally leave behind persistent, luminous dust trails that can remain visible for several seconds or even minutes. Viewers in the Northern Hemisphere can anticipate seeing approximately 10 to 30 meteors per hour, while those in the Southern Hemisphere may witness around 30 meteors per hour.

Expert Tips for Meteor Watching

For optimal meteor viewing conditions, astronomer Campbell-Brown suggests escaping city lights to find locations with the darkest possible skies. She recommends practical aids such as:

• A star map: to assist in locating the constellations associated with each meteor shower’s origin.
• A reclining lawn chair or camping mattress: for comfortable, extended sky gazing.
• Warm attire: as temperatures can drop during night viewing sessions with limited movement.

Regarding where to focus your gaze in the sky, Campbell-Brown advises, “The precise direction is not critical; while meteor frequency might be slightly higher when looking towards the radiant – which for both showers will be rising in the East – any area of a dark and clear sky is suitable.”

It’s worth noting that some meteors observed might not be associated with these specific showers. However, for both the Lyrids and Eta Aquarids, “the most rewarding viewing opportunities will present themselves in the hours after sunset and peaking in the pre-dawn period,” concludes Campbell-Brown.