It’s been a few months since Michiganders have had the chance to see a meteor shower. The Lyrid meteor shower should end that drought.
Mike Murray from Delta College’s Planetarium told us at an earlier time that, “The Lyrids are one of the oldest meteor showers on record, dating back to China around 690 BCE. The light show occurs when our planet crosses the orbit of Comet Thatcher, causing its debris of ice and dust to burn up in the atmosphere.”
Two of the most notable meteor showers for Michigan are the Perseids and the Lyrids. While the Lyrid meteor shower doesn’t have as many meteors per hour as the Perseids, the Lyrids are known to produce more fireballs. A fireball is a meteor with a bright, burning tail, and can be a spectacular sight. Fireballs can also be a frightening sight if you don’t know the cause of the fiery streak.
This year the Lyrids are expected to peak Wednesday night, April 21 to before sunrise Thursday, April 22. Just after sunset, the meteors are projected to emerge out of the northeastern sky. As we get toward midnight, the meteors will shoot more from the east. Just before sunrise Thursday morning, the meteors will travel from the southwest part of the sky. while it’s hard to predict exactly when the meteor shower will peak, an hour either side of midnight is the most common time for a meteor peak.
Experts like Mike Murray say the best view to see the meteors is to lie flat on your back and look straight up. While the meteors may come from one direction in the sky, the speed is so fast it’s best just to look at a wide area of the sky. Don’t focus on one small spot, or you may miss some meteors.
This year’s Lyrid meteor shower will compete with a sky brightened by almost a three-quarter moon. Finding a very dark sky will be especially important.
As of today, Tuesday, April 13, it looks like Michigan will be between two storm systems next Wednesday. So there is some hope of a clear sky, and visible meteors.
I’ll have to update you early next week on the sky, and if we get to see the Lyrids. For now, give yourself a reminder in your phone to check here for the sky forecast.
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April 13, 2021 at 11:30PM
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Lyrid meteor shower ending ‘shooting star’ drought; Here are peak times and dates to see Lyrids - MLive.com
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