The Lyrid meteor shower opens the season. Here’s how to watch
The Lyrid meteor shower returns to the sky, on Tuesday night. Here's where and how to catch a glimpse of the cosmic show.
www.cnn.comThe Lyrid meteor shower peaks on the night of April 21–22, 2026, with the best viewing in the early morning hours before dawn on April 22. Conditions are looking favorable this year, with the Moon setting around midnight and leaving darker skies for the peak period.[1][3][9][10]
Where to see it
- Best from the Northern Hemisphere, where the shower is strongest and most visible.[9]
- Find a location with a dark, open sky away from city lights, such as a beach, field, hilltop, or other wide unobstructed area.[8]
- In the sky, meteors will appear to radiate from near the constellation Lyra, but you should look slightly away from it to catch longer streaks.[8][9]
Best viewing time
- The strongest viewing window is just before dawn on April 22.[3][1]
- The shower may produce about 10 to 20 meteors per hour under good conditions, with occasional bright fireballs.[1][3][9]
- Since the peak happens during daylight for part of North America, the early-morning hours are the practical time to watch locally.[3]
Watching tips
- Give your eyes 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the dark.
- Lie back and scan as much of the sky as possible instead of staring straight at Lyra.
- For Miami, a dark spot away from city glow and palms/buildings will help more than trying to track the radiant exactly.[9][8]
Weather and visibility
- Clear, dry air gives the best chance of seeing fainter meteors.[3]
- The shower continues through April 25, but the peak night is the best chance.[1]
Would you like a Miami-specific plan for the best local viewing spots tonight?