Observe one of the oldest known meteor showers next week from Tri-Cities
Every April, one of the oldest-known meteor showers returns to the night sky. The Lyrid meteor shower is a favorite celestial event for its signature bursts of activity.
According to NASA, the Lyrid meteor shower was first observed in 687 BC, meaning humans have been aware of the phenomenon for more than 2,700 years.
During the Lyrid shower, you can generally see 10-20 meteors per hour with good conditions. This year, NASA predicts an average of five to six meteors per hour under dark skies.
The meteor shower is also known for its occasional outbursts of up to 100 meteors per hour. The meteors are especially fast and bright, producing fireball-type meteors, appearing for only a few seconds, according to EarthSky.
Here’s what you need to know to catch the meteor shower in Tri-Cities this year.
About the Lyrid meteor shower
Most meteor showers originate from a larger cosmic body, caused by debris left along Earth’s orbital path. For the Lyrids, it’s Comet Thatcher, which orbits the sun every 415.5 years, according to NASA. As Comet Thatcher orbits the sun, it leaves dust behind, generating a trail of debris over time.
When the Earth passes the debris left by Comet Thatcher in its annual orbit, pieces of the debris make brief contact with our atmosphere, according to NASA. From the ground, the collisions look like bright flashes in the sky.
The meteors appear to originate around the constellation Lyra — hence the name Lyrid.
However, it’s recommended you don’t focus too hard on the Lyra constellation when watching the Lyrid meteor shower. You’ll have a better overall experience by just watching the night sky as a whole as the meteors dash past. Their streaks will seem longer this way, according to NASA.
This year, the Lyrid shower is active from April 17 through April 26, with peak viewing on the night of April 21 into the early hours of April 22.
How to watch the Lyrids in eastern WA
Your best chance of catching Lyrid meteor shower activity is overnight from April 21 to 22. For an optimal experience, you’ll want to watch the meteor shower somewhere away from light pollution.
The website Light Pollution Map shows where exactly you can escape light pollution, but here are some other options close to Tri-Cities:
On top of Badger Mountain
On top of Candy Mountain
Jump Off Joe Butte, just south of Tri-Cities
Maryhill State Park
NASA recommends lying flat on your back, with your feet to the east. Give your eyes about half an hour to adjust to the dark before you’ll see any meteors.
Tri-Cities weather April 21
There’s a possibility that some clouds could obstruct your view of the Lyrids on April 21, according to the National Weather Service in Pendleton. Conditions for overnight April 21 include light and partial cloud coverage, though this could change in the coming days.
Staff at the Weather Service told the Herald that Tri-Citians will have pretty good odds of catching some meteors, though nothing is guaranteed.
However, the meteor shower is expected to last until dawn, so if you’re patient, partial cloud coverage shouldn’t completely prevent your view. With pockets of mostly clear conditions currently forecast throughout the night, Tri-Citians should have good viewing opportunities.