Shooting Stars Will Light Up Skies Over Indiana

If you’ve been waiting for a reason to step outside and look up, this might be it.

The Lyrid meteor shower, one of the oldest known meteor showers in history, is officially active and will soon light up the night sky over Indiana, Kentucky, and beyond.

When To Watch The Lyrid Meteor Shower

The Lyrids will be active from April 14 through April 30, with peak viewing expected the night of April 21 into the early morning of April 22.

During peak hours, skywatchers could see up to 20 meteors per hour under ideal conditions.

This year offers a particularly good viewing opportunity. The waxing crescent moon will set early on the night of the peak, leaving darker skies that make it easier to spot meteors.

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Why The Lyrids Are So Special

The Lyrids have been observed for more than 2,700 years, with the first recorded sighting dating back to 687 BC, according to EarthSky.

Often called “shooting stars,” meteors are actually small pieces of space debris burning up as they pass through Earth’s atmosphere. What you see is the glowing trail created by that intense heat and friction.

While the Lyrids typically produce around 10 to 20 meteors per hour, they are known for occasional surprise bursts that can dramatically increase activity.

Read More: Here's How to See An Ultra Rare Moonbow

How To Get The Best View

You don’t need a telescope or special equipment to enjoy the show.

For the best experience:

• Find a dark area away from city lights
• Give your eyes about 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness
• Avoid looking at your phone or other bright lights
• Lie back and look up, ideally facing east

The darker your surroundings, the more meteors you’re likely to see.

With clear skies and the right conditions, the Lyrids could offer a memorable night for anyone willing to pause and look up.