WASHINGTON (AP) — The Lyrid meteor shower is underway. But with a nearly full moon in the sky during the peak, it might be tough to see clearly.
The Lyrids occur every year in mid-to-late April. This year’s peak activity happens Sunday into Monday, with 10 to 20 meteors expected per hour. Viewing lasts through April 29.
Here’s what to know about the Lyrids and other meteor showers.
Multiple meteor showers occur annually and you don’t need special equipment to see them.
Most meteor showers originate from the debris of comets. The source of the Lyrids is 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.”
The glowing pockets of air around fast-moving space rocks, ranging from the size of a dust particle to a boulder, may be visible in the night sky.
Money isn't enough to smooth the path for Republican candidates hoping to retake the Senate
PLA Day warmly celebrated in Pakistan
Executor of O.J. Simpson's estate plans to fight payout to the families of Brown and Goldman
Liam Gallagher rents swanky £17,000
PLA Day warmly celebrated in Pakistan
China injects more positive energy into global economic development
China condemns slander against Hong Kong's Safeguarding National Security Bill
Can I get my private pension at 55 due to this bizarre birth year quirk? STEVE WEBB replies
Taikonaut Chen Dong sets China's record for longest stay in space
Kyren Wilson wins world snooker championship for the first time after beating Jak Jones 18
Mom of gay Jewish teen, 19, murdered by 'closeted' Neo