Stargazers are in for a rare two-for-one celestial treat this April, as two meteor showers — the Lyrids and Eta Aquarids — will be active simultaneously, according to NASA.
While neither is as famous as August’s Perseids, the brief overlap between the Lyrids and Eta Aquarids could offer a stunning display for skywatchers — potentially up to 100 meteors per hour at peak times. The best viewing window? Just before dawn, from April 20 through April 26.
When to look up
The Lyrids meteor shower will be active from April 17 to April 26, peaking during the early morning hours of April 21 and 22. Known for fast-moving meteors and the occasional fireball, this shower is one of the oldest on record — observed for more than 2,700 years.
Meanwhile, the Eta Aquarids, which originate from debris left behind by Halley’s Comet, will begin their run on April 20 and continue through May 21, peaking on May 3 and 4. While the Eta Aquarids typically favor Southern Hemisphere observers, those in the north may still catch glimpses, especially during this brief overlap.
How to watch the show
NASA advises heading to a dark, open sky away from city lights for optimal viewing. Bring a blanket, lawn chair, or sleeping bag and allow time for your eyes to adjust.
"Lie flat on your back with your feet facing east and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible. After about 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt, and you will begin to see meteors," NASA says. "Be patient – the show will last until dawn, so you have plenty of time to catch a glimpse."
Moonset will improve conditions for watching the Lyrids specifically. Try to start viewing just before sunrise for the best chance at seeing both showers in action.
Other celestial events in April
April doesn’t stop with meteors. At least four other notable events are expected to dazzle the skies:
Saturday, April 12: A pink full micromoon will rise.
Friday, April 25: The Moon will align with Venus and Saturn, creating what some call a “celestial smiley face.”
Sunday, April 27: A new supermoon will appear in the night sky.
All of these events will be visible in the evening or early morning skies, depending on your location and weather conditions.
While neither is as famous as August’s Perseids, the brief overlap between the Lyrids and Eta Aquarids could offer a stunning display for skywatchers — potentially up to 100 meteors per hour at peak times. The best viewing window? Just before dawn, from April 20 through April 26.
When to look up
The Lyrids meteor shower will be active from April 17 to April 26, peaking during the early morning hours of April 21 and 22. Known for fast-moving meteors and the occasional fireball, this shower is one of the oldest on record — observed for more than 2,700 years.
Meanwhile, the Eta Aquarids, which originate from debris left behind by Halley’s Comet, will begin their run on April 20 and continue through May 21, peaking on May 3 and 4. While the Eta Aquarids typically favor Southern Hemisphere observers, those in the north may still catch glimpses, especially during this brief overlap.
How to watch the show
NASA advises heading to a dark, open sky away from city lights for optimal viewing. Bring a blanket, lawn chair, or sleeping bag and allow time for your eyes to adjust.
"Lie flat on your back with your feet facing east and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible. After about 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt, and you will begin to see meteors," NASA says. "Be patient – the show will last until dawn, so you have plenty of time to catch a glimpse."
Moonset will improve conditions for watching the Lyrids specifically. Try to start viewing just before sunrise for the best chance at seeing both showers in action.
Other celestial events in April
April doesn’t stop with meteors. At least four other notable events are expected to dazzle the skies:
Saturday, April 12: A pink full micromoon will rise.
Friday, April 25: The Moon will align with Venus and Saturn, creating what some call a “celestial smiley face.”
Sunday, April 27: A new supermoon will appear in the night sky.
All of these events will be visible in the evening or early morning skies, depending on your location and weather conditions.
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