The Lyrid meteor shower, one of the oldest, will occur this week, lasting until April 25. Originating from debris left by Comet Thatcher, first noted in 1861, the Lyrids are visible as meteors when Earth passes through this debris trail. The shower's first record dates back to 687 B.C. For optimal viewing, stargazers need dark skies, avoiding urban light pollution. This year's peak viewing is expected around April 21-22. The Lyrid shower will coincide with the upcoming Eta Aquariid shower, peaking in early May.
"Thatcher left a debris trail that the Earth runs into the third week in April of every year, and that causes the shower when these bits of debris enter our atmosphere and burn up," Cooke told NPR.
"You're not going to see meteors from downtown Manhattan or Central Park. You need to find the darkest sky you can, you need to lay flat on your back and look away from the moon."
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