How to watch the Lyrid meteor shower from the UK and US tonight
The Lyrid meteor shower is expected to bring fiery streaks to the night sky
www.independent.co.ukHere’s the latest on the Lyrid meteor shower as of 2026:
- Peak window: The Lyrids typically peak in late April. In 2026, reports place the best viewing around the night of April 22–23, with pre-dawn hours often offering the clearest skies in New York City and other northern latitudes .
- Expected meteor rate: Viewers in favorable conditions can see about 10–20 meteors per hour during peak, though actual counts vary with moonlight and local weather .
- Viewing tips for NYC/US observers:
- Find a dark site away from city lights and allow your eyes to adapt to the darkness (30 minutes or more).
- Look northeast to northeast-sky regions where the radiant sits; the meteors can appear in any part of the sky despite the radiant direction .
- If the Moon is bright, try predawn hours when sky glow is lowest; a dim crescent moon can improve visibility (as noted in several recent skywatch reports) .
- How to watch online: Several organizations and observatories often provide livestreams or guided viewing windows during peak nights, so check SPACE/space.com or telescope project channels for scheduled streams and sky conditions .
Illustration (what to expect):
- A dark night, clear skies, and a northeast radiant. You may see several bright streaks per hour with some rapid-fire, fast-moving meteors especially around the peak.
Would you like a short, step-by-step plan for a NYC viewing night (recommended times, locations near NYC, and what to bring), or a printable skywatch checklist? I can tailor it to your location and date.