Two overlapping meteor showers are set to light up the night sky this month. In less than two weeks, both the Lyrids and Eta Aquarids showers will pass Earth for an amazing astronomical event.
The Lyrids — one of the oldest known meteor showers — will be active from April 17 to April 26, peaking on April 21 and 22. The Eta Aquarids will take place from April 20 to May 21, and peak on May 3 and 4. That means both meteor showers will be active from April 20 to 26.
While the Lyrids meteor shower is an annual event, the Eta Aquarids only come around nearly once every 76 years. This shower originates from Halley’s Comet, which hasn’t been seen since 1986. After this shower, the comet won’t be seen again until 2061.
The best viewing for the Lyrid meteor shower occurs after moonset and before dawn. But you’ll have to wait before dawn to catch the Eta Aquarids. Position yourself looking east in order to catch the best view of both of the showers. Your eyes will need about 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness in order to see the meteors in the sky.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
