Peak Viewing Window

Lyrids Meteor Shower 2026

Verdict

Fair

Effective Rate

15 meteors/hr

One of the oldest known annual showers, the Lyrids are moderate in rate but can surprise observers with occasionally bright flurries.

Visibility Factors

🌒

Moon Phase

17% Illumination

Waxing Crescent

Theoretical Max

18 meteors/hr

↓Reduced by 17% moon glow

Effective Rate

15 meteors/hr

* Based on moon interference. Light pollution and atmospheric conditions will further reduce these visible rates.

Viewing Tips for Lyrids

Find a comfortable spot looking toward the east after midnight. The Lyrids don't tend to leave long, glowing dust trails, but they can produce occasional bright fireballs.

Find the RadiantLyra

Identify the constellation Lyra in the sky. Look slightly away from it to see longer, brighter streaks.

Parent Body CometThese meteors are cosmic debris left by C/1861 G1 (Thatcher), which burning up in our upper atmosphere creates this annual display.

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