A late-night sky show is headed for Central Ohio.
The Lyrid meteor shower is back over Columbus, bringing one of the oldest recorded sky events with it. Active from April 17 through April 26, the shower will peak overnight on April 21 into the early hours of April 22, offering some of the best chances to catch a “shooting star.”
Under darker skies, you can expect to see around 10 to 30 meteors per hour. It’s not the most intense meteor shower of the year, but the Lyrids are known for the occasional burst, when even more meteors suddenly streak across the sky.
And yes, you can absolutely see it from Columbus.
Light pollution will make fainter meteors harder to spot, but brighter ones, including the occasional fireball, can still shine through. Heading just outside the city to a darker area can make a noticeable difference.
The best time to look is after midnight through just before sunrise on April 22. The meteors appear to originate near the constellation Lyra, close to the bright star Vega in the northeastern sky. That said, you’ll usually see longer, more dramatic streaks by looking slightly away from that point rather than directly at it.
What you’re seeing is debris left behind by Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher.
As Earth moves through that trail, tiny bits of rock and dust hit our atmosphere and burn up, creating those quick flashes of light. Some vanish instantly, while others leave faint glowing trails that linger for a moment.
If you’re planning to watch, find a darker spot, bring a blanket or chair, and give your eyes about 20 to 30 minutes to adjust. Meteor showers aren’t constant, but if you’re patient, you’ll start to notice more activity over time.
The Lyrids have been observed for more than 2,700 years, making them one of the longest-recorded meteor showers in history. If the skies stay clear, it’s a pretty great excuse to stay up late and take it all in. If you’d like to learn more about the Lyrids, head over to nasa.gov.
