PM Update: Lyrid meteor shower peaks tonight
Showers and thunderstorms, some currently warned as severe with strong winds, are progressing through the area this afternoon. Please see our currently active thread for the latest information on those weather hazards.
The annual Lyrid meteor shower, which often features some notably bright meteors in the night sky, will peak tonight. Although the meteor shower has been trending toward peak for the past few days, with some sightings reported in our local area suburbs, the shower reaches its technical maxima tonight. The meteor shower is active from April 15th through April 25th annually, with peak days varying. The visibility of meteors also varies year to year based on sky and moon conditions.
This year, ideal viewing conditions are anticipated with a waxing crescent moon setting during the early evening hours of the peak days. This will leave especially dark conditions for meteor viewing. While last years Lyrid meteor shower was generally unimpressive, the variance from year to year leaves meteor-watchers very hopeful for this years result.
