Wisconsin skywatchers will have their best chance to see the annual Lyrids meteor shower on Earth Day, and the forecast could set up an especially striking display this year.
The Lyrid showers last from April 15 to 29 annually but will peak on April 21 and 22 this year.
Under ideal conditions, the Lyrids shower rains down 10-15 meteors per hour.
The Lyrids fall on a waxing crescent moon on April 21-22. Just before midnight and when the moon sets before morning, the sky will be the least obscured.
According to the Milwaukee Clear Sky Chart, Wednesday, April 22 will have almost zero cloud cover all day and night, setting up a great view for those who can get away from light pollution.
What are the Lyrid meteors?
The Lyrids are remnants of Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher debris. When Earth comes into contact with the comet’s debris stream every April, the debris creates a meteor shower in the atmosphere.
How to watch the Lyrid meteor shower in Wisconsin
The Lyrids will start to become visible once the Vega constellation rises above the northeast horizon, usually between 9-10 p.m. local time.
The best viewing period will be right before dawn when the moon is hidden and the Vega star radiant point is bright overhead.
Meteors may be visible all night but will be most frequent when the radiant point is highest in the sky.
Meteor shower best viewing tips
Like most night sky viewing activities, you may have to venture out and hunker down for the absolute best views of the Lyrid showers.
Find a location away from light pollution using an online map. Since the best times are also the coldest, dress warm and pack accordingly.
What are the best places in Wisconsin to view the night sky?
Here is a list of Wisconsin locations that could offer some of the best views of the night sky.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Lyrids meteor shower peaks in Wisconsin on Earth Day. Here’s how to watch it
Reporting by Caden Perry, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
