Lyrid meteor shower peaks Sunday night: How to see it

(WJW) – The Lyrid meteor shower is underway, and it’s nearing its peak.

The Lyrids peak Sunday night on April 21 and last through dawn on April 22.

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With a full moon coming this week, it may be hard to see the meteor shower clearly.

In Northeast Ohio, skies are expected to be clear Sunday evening into early Monday morning.

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The Lyrids began April 15 and runs through April 29, according to EarthSky.

The Lyrids are said to be one of the oldest known Metroid showers. Astronomers say the first reported sighting dates to 687 BC.

The Lyrid meteor shower is debris from the comet Thatcher.

When rocks from space enter Earth’s atmosphere, the resistance from the air makes them very hot. This causes the air to glow around them and briefly leaves a fiery tail behind them — the end of a “shooting star.”

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According to NASA, here’s the best way to see a meteor shower:

• Pick an area well away from city lights or street lights.

• Bring a sleeping bag, blanket, or lawn chair.

• Lie flat on your back with your feet facing east and look up.

• Be patient. About 30 minutes in the dark your eyes should adapt and you should begin to see meteors.

The next meteor shower peaks in early May. Debris from Halley’s comet make up the Eta Aquarids.

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