What to know the 2024 Lyrid meteor shower

Image credit: Earthsky/sky &Telescope Space Reference

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April's Lyrid meteor shower peaks this Sunday night, offering a chance to see shooting stars as Earth passes through comet Thatcher's debris.

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Lyrid meteor shower is known for fast and bright meteors, active during late April.

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This year's peak occurs from Sunday night into Monday morning for those in the U.S.

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NASA Ambassador Tony Rice says the outlook for seeing the Lyrid meteor shower is not great due to a nearly 95% full Moon.

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Bright moonlight could wash out the chance to see a shooting star or two.

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The Lyrids' radiant point is in the Lyra constellation near the brightest star, Vega.

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All meteor showers get their name from the constellation where they appear to emanate from.

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Star Vega serves as a good starting point, but it's best to view the Lyrids away from their radiant.

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Find a dark place away from city lights to watch the meteor shower.

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Your best bet to see the Lyrids is after moonset, which happens about an hour before sunrise.

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