Lyrid Meteor Shower In New York State

This week you will have a chance to see fireballs light up the sky around New York State.

The Lyrid Meteor Shower is happening right now, and it looks like we will have plenty of clear skies to allow you to see the amazing fireballs in the sky.

What is the Lyrid Meteor Shower?

The Lyrid Meteor Shower is made up of fragments of a comet named Thatcher. The comet was first discovered in 1861 and passes over the Earth every 415 years. Parts of the comet impact the Earth's atmosphere every April, and that is what we call the Lyrid Meteor Shower.

What Does The Lyrid Meteor Shower Look Like?

When visible, the Lyrid Meteor shower looks like fireballs streaking across the sky. They don't have a streak like tail but will produce bright flashes as they move across the sky.

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When Is The Best Time To See The Lyrid Meteor Shower?

The meteors will be visible between 9:30 pm and 5 am, but peak viewing time will be between 11 pm and 2 am The best viewing experience will be for you to lie down facing East and try to get away from artificial lights. The darker the area around you, the better the chance of seeing the meteors.

How Long Will The Lyrid Meteor Shower Last?

The Lyrid Meteor Shower will last until around April 25th, which means this is your final week to see the fireballs streak across the sky.

LOOKING UP: 40 Breathtaking Images Of The Perseid Meteor Shower Around The World

According to NASA, the Perseid meteor shower is "considered the best meteor shower of the year." The show typically peaks mid-August. For 2023, the shower peaked around the world between Aug. 12-14. The latest edition of the meteor shower created an extra special light show in the sky. Here is what the Perseid meteor shower looked like across the globe.

Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll