The best time to spot meteors during the peak will be from around 02:00 onwards on Wednesday or Thursday morning, as the moon's absence reduces light interference. According to Daily Mail - Home, Dr Shyam Balaji described the Lyrids as caused by Earth passing through the dusty trail left by Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher. He also noted that Lyrid meteors are known for being bright and fast, often leaving glowing trails in the sky that linger for a few seconds.
This meteor shower is the oldest known still active today, with Chinese astronomers making the first recorded sighting in 687 BC. According to Daily Mail - Home, a Met Office spokesperson described improved chances for clear skies tomorrow night, with much of England and Wales likely to be cloud-free, though high-level clouds could affect visibility in some areas. The exact date referred to as 'tomorrow night' by the Met Office remains unspecified, and viewing conditions for regions outside England and Wales are not detailed.
The Lyrids are caused by Earth passing through the dusty trail left by Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, a long-period comet that orbits the Sun roughly every 415 years.
It is also unclear how high-level clouds might impact visibility or what specific safety precautions are recommended for observers.
Lyrid meteors are known for being bright and fast, often leaving glowing trails in the sky that linger for a few seconds.
The chance for clear skies improves further tomorrow night, with much of England and Wales likely to be cloud-free, however high-level clou