Lyrid meteor shower 2026 - In-The-Sky.org
22 April 2026: The Lyrid meteor shower reaches its peak. – In-The-Sky.org.
in-the-sky.orgHere’s the latest on the Lyrid meteor shower for the UK in 2026.
- Peak date: April 22, 2026, with the best viewing after moonset in the early hours of the morning. This timing minimizes moonlight interference and increases the chance of catching brighter meteors.
- Activity window: The shower runs roughly April 16–25, so you can catch activity on several nights around the peak.
- What to expect: Lyrids are fast, bright meteors (often with persistent trains) and can produce around 10–20+ meteors per hour at peak under dark skies; some years may show higher rates with occasional brighter fireballs.
- Viewing tips for the UK: Choose a dark-sky location away from light pollution; allow your eyes 20–30 minutes to adapt; watch from after midnight (when the Moon has set or is low) for the strongest displays. The radiant is in Lyra, but meteors can appear across the sky.
Illustrative plan for a good viewing session:
- Location: A rural area or park with a wide, unobstructed view to the north-east to south-west spectrum.
- Timing: Start around 2:00–3:00 a.m. local time on April 22 (after moonset) and watch for 1–2 hours.
- Comfort: Bring a warm layer, reclining chair, and a thermos; no telescope needed.
If you’d like, I can tailor a viewing plan for your exact location in the UK (nearest town/cocation) and provide a simple star-hopping map to help you locate Lyra and the radiant.