"The Lyrid meteor shower, which comes from debris from Comet Thatcher, passes by Earth once a year. The comet itself has not been visible from Earth since 1861, and won't be seen for another 257 years."
"Up to 100 meteors can be seen per hour during the shower's peak, flying past Earth at around 30 miles per second. The meteors move so fast that air particles in front can't get out of the way in time, instead becoming rapidly compressed and heating up to temperatures as high as 1600C."
"The Lyrids are known for leaving trails in the sky that can last for several seconds as the ionised gas hangs in the air. Other distinctive features of the Lyrids are their colours and brightness, and occasionally bright fireballs, which outshine the planet Venus."
"Experts say that the best time to see the meteors will be from around 2am once the Moon has set and the Earth has spun towards the cloud of debris the Lyrids originate from."
The Lyrid meteor shower, first observed in 687 BC, is visible annually and originates from debris of Comet Thatcher. The comet last appeared in 1861 and will not return for 257 years. During the peak, up to 100 meteors can be seen per hour, traveling at 30 miles per second. The meteors create bright trails and can produce fireballs that outshine Venus. This year's viewing conditions are favorable due to a crescent moon setting early, with the best viewing time around 2am when Lyra is highest in the sky.
Read at www.standard.co.uk
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