The Lyrid Meteor Shower, occurring from April 17-25, 2023, will peak early on April 22, featuring up to 15 meteors per hour. Viewing is optimal in dark skies away from artificial light. The Lyrids have been observed since 687 BC, making them the earliest known meteor shower. They occur when Earth crosses the debris trail of Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, causing bright meteors as comet particles disintegrate in the atmosphere. Astronomers suggest referring to them as meteors rather than shooting stars due to their actual composition.
'With the Lyrids you'll be looking for a little flurry of short-lived streaks of light - what you might popularly call shooting stars,' said Dr Robert Massey, RAS deputy executive director.
These streaks are known as shooting stars, even though they are not stars at all - which is why some astronomers object to this term.
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