Upcoming Lyrid Meteor Shower May Be Hard to See

Upcoming , Lyrid Meteor Shower , May Be Hard to See.

'The Independent' reports that skywatchers looking to catch the Lyrid meteor shower may be foiled by the moon.

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This year's peak activity occurs on April 21 and 22, with up to 20 meteors expected per hour.

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Potential viewing should last through April 29.

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However, the American Meteor Society warns that strong moonlight may interfere with viewing.

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Every year, multiple meteor showers occur and don't require special equipment to see them.

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For the most part, meteor showers originate from debris left behind by comets, like the Lyrids, which come from the comet Thatcher.

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As these space rocks enter the Earth's atmosphere, air resistance makes them extremely hot, which causes the air around them to glow.

This glow leaves a fiery trail behind the meteor, which can be observed from the ground as a "shooting star.".

Look to the northeast and just keep staring at the same spot in the sky.

It's always impressive when you see these things, Don Pollacco, University of Warwick astronomer, via 'The Independent'.

The Lyrids are best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere, while the upcoming Eta Aquarids meteor shower can best be seen from the Southern Hemisphere.