Many New Yorkers likely looked up to the sky this week in hopes of seeing the flashing lights of meteors as the Lyrids shower reached its most active state of 2026.
The Lyrids meteor shower, which became active on Tuesday, April 14, hit its peak in New York between April 21-23, making it easier to spot.
But have you ever wondered what a meteor shower looks like from space? 250 miles above Earth, a NASA astronaut captured photographs of the 2026 Lyrids meteor shower from the cupola of the International Space Station.
Jessica Meir, who reached the orbital outpost in February as part of a four-person crew, shared an image on social media of what the Lyrids meteors look like from space.
Here is what to know about the photos Meir captured of the Lyrids meteor shower that peaked in NY this week.
NASA astronaut captures photo of Lyrids meteor shower from ISS
Meir, 48, is currently making her second stint at the International Space Station. She arrived on Feb. 14 as part of a four person crew for a joint NASA and SpaceX mission known as Crew-12.
During her first spaceflight in 2019, Meir made history with fellow astronaut Christina Koch – who , recently flew around the moon as part of a four person crew on NASA’s Artemis II mission, which included Commander Reid Wiseman, a NY college graduate. Together the two women participated in the first-ever all-female spacewalk.
On April 20, Meir shared a photo on social media that she captured of a streaking meteor from the orbital outpost which orbited about 250 miles above Earth. The photo was taken before the annual Lyrids meteor reached its peak activity in NY and across North America.
Meir said she used a three-second exposure, which caused city lights on Earth below to appear as streaks. The meteor itself can be seen whizzing by on the left side of image, under the horizon, Meir said.
“Have you seen any shooting stars lately? We’re in the midst of the Lyrid meteor shower, and I was lucky enough to photograph some,” Meir wrote in her posts on X and Instagram. “Keep your eyes to the sky, and you just might see us on the ISS pass by as well!”
When did the Lyrids meteor shower peak in NY?
The Lyrids meteor shower, which returns like clockwork every April, had its peak in North America at night between April 21 and 22, according to the American Meteor Society. However, due to reduced visibility from the NY weather on April 21, Time and Date expectecd that the Empire State’s peak days would fall between April 22 and 23.
Though the Lyrids meteors already reached their two-night peak in activity for 2026, the shower should still be visible to stargazers through April 30, according to the American Meteor Society.
2026 meteor show schedule
The Lyrids meteor shower is one of the first of the year and its activity will overlap with another meteor shower known as the Eta Aquariids, which won’t hit its peak until May 5 and 6. Other opular showers, like the Perseids, Alpha Capricornids and Southern Delta Aquariids, are just a few months away.
Here is the meteor shower schedule for 2026, according to the American Meteor Society:
—Madison Scott is a New York Connect reporter, covering entertainment, breaking and consumer news, and trending topics with a focus on stories that matter to readers across New York state. She also has an interest in how the system helps or doesn’t help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@USATodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: See the Lyrids meteor shower from space. NASA astronaut shares stunning photo
Reporting by Madison Scott, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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