How to catch the shooting stars of spring’s first meteor shower, the Lyrids

By CHRISTINA LARSON When the Lyrid meteor shower reaches its peak it will be spring s first chance to see shooting stars Related Articles Marijuana legalization hits roadblocks after years of expansion Jam band stars highlight luxury catamaran cruises for Colorado company Denver restaurant on track to open despite death of much-loved chef owner Asking Eric In-law s demands test family patience Daily Horoscope for April The Lyrids have surprised skygazers in the past with as a great number of as meteors per hour but it s not predicted to be as operational this time around During Tuesday morning s peak expect to see around six meteors per hour explained Thaddeus LaCoursiere planetarium activity coordinator at the Bell Museum in St Paul Minnesota The waning crescent moon will be full meaning a decent level of visibility under clear and dark conditions Viewing lasts until April Here s what to know about the Lyrids and other meteor showers What is a meteor shower As the Earth orbits the sun several times a year it passes through debris left by passing comets and sometimes asteroids The source of the Lyrids is debris from the comet Thatcher When these fast-moving space rocks enter Earth s atmosphere the debris encounters new resistance from the air and becomes very hot eventually burning up Sometimes the surrounding air glows briefly leaving behind a fiery tail the end of a shooting star You don t need special equipment to see the various meteor showers that flash across annually just a spot away from city lights How to view a meteor shower The best time to watch a meteor shower is in the early predawn hours when the moon is low in the sky Competing sources of light such as a bright moon or artificial glow are the main obstacles to a clear view of meteors Cloudless nights when the moon wanes smallest are optimal viewing opportunities And keep looking up not down Your eyes will be better adapted to spot shooting stars if you aren t checking your phone When is the next meteor shower The next major meteor shower the Eta Aquarids peaks in early May The Associated Press Physical condition and Science Department receives encouragement from the Howard Hughes Medicinal Institute s Science and Educational Media Group The AP is solely responsible for all content