UK residents are in for a celestial treat as the oldest known annual meteor shower graces the night sky. Each year, during the latter half of April, the Lyrid meteor shower makes its appearance, a tradition that dates back to its first recorded observation in 687 BC by Chinese observers. The Lyrids are renowned for their swift and brilliant meteors, with an estimated frequency of 18 meteors per hour.
Viewing the Lyrid meteor shower in the UK
The moon will nearly be full tonight, appearing as the ‘pink moon’ of spring, which, despite its name, does not differ in color from the typical full moon. Because of the moon’s luminosity, extra attention is necessary to discern the meteors.
NASA suggests the optimal viewing period is the ‘dark hours’ after the moon sets but before sunrise. For those in the UK, this translates to around 5 am.
Anticipating cloud cover, a frequent obstacle for night sky enthusiasts, may impede views in some UK regions tonight. The most favorable locations for meteor spotting include areas around Preston, Manchester, Kendal, Scotland, and the South East coast stretching from Lowestoft to Brighton. NASA advises a 30-minute period for your eyes to adapt to the dark, after which you should begin to notice the meteors.
“Be patient,” NASA encourages, as the spectacle will persist until dawn, providing ample opportunity for those hoping to witness the Lyrids.
Discover more on Sky News:
NASA top official: China’s hidden space military agenda
A black hole of massive scale ‘lurking undetected’ near Earth
British space explorer’s return with UK’s inaugural all-nation mission
Although the Lyrids reached their peak on the night leading into 22 April, they will remain visible across the Northern Hemisphere for the duration of the month. Note, the number of visible meteors dwindles as time moves away from the peak.
Explaining the Lyrid meteor shower phenomenon
Originating from the Lyra constellation, the Lyrids are remnants of the Comet Thatcher, named not after the former UK prime minister but after the amateur astronomer Alfred Thatcher who discovered it in 1861.
Meteors are fragments of cosmic debris trailing comets and other space bodies. When the Earth intersects this debris trail, pieces plunge into our atmosphere.
These particles enter the atmosphere at high speeds, causing surrounding air to heat up. This results in the meteor itself heating up and emitting a bright light, producing the streaks we observe from the ground. The temperature at the meteor’s surface can soar to approximately 1600 degrees Celsius.
FAQs about the Lyrid Meteor Shower
- What is the best time to watch the Lyrid meteor shower in the UK?
- The ideal time to watch the Lyrid meteor shower is during the ‘dark hours’ after the moon sets and before sunrise, around 5 am in the UK.
- How long should I allow my eyes to adjust to the dark?
- NASA suggests allowing about 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness before you start to see meteors.
- Until when will the Lyrid meteor shower be visible?
- While the Lyrid meteor shower peaked on the night leading into 22 April, it can be seen throughout the month; however, the frequency of meteors will decrease as days pass from the peak.
- What are meteors and what causes them to glow?
- Meteors are the result of debris from comets or celestial objects burning up in Earth’s atmosphere. They glow due to the intense heat generated from their high-speed entry, causing the air around them to heat up.
Conclusion
The Lyrid meteor shower offers a dazzling annual display for stargazers around the Northern Hemisphere, with a rich history and a scientific cause that intrigues astronomers and enthusiasts alike. Despite challenges posed by the moon’s brightness and potential cloud cover, with patience and the right conditions, UK watchers can experience this marvelous celestial event. Remember to give your eyes time to adapt to the darkness and look for regions with clear skies for the best chance of sighting these shooting stars.