Meteor showers will light up the sky in April and May. How to watch in the South
If you are a space fanatic and track meteor showers, you’ll know that one is right on the horizon.
And if you don’t know, we will fill you in because this is a light show you won’t want to miss.
Here are the major meteor showers happening April-May:
Lyrids (LYR)
What: This is a major meteor shower with significant activity in April. It is one of the oldest meteor showers in history and according to NASA, the Lyrids have been observed for more than 2,700 years.
When: April 15-April 29
Maximum view: April 23 — this is the best night to sit outside and view nature’s night lights, but it’s still worth a look this week.
eta Aquarids (ETA)
What: This shower peaks in May and is known for its speedy meteors, which can travel up to 148,000 mph.
When: April 15-May 27
Maximum view: May 6 — look up — this is the best night to enjoy the light show.
Not sure how to watch, but want to? Here are some tips for watching meteor showers:
Contrary to popular belief, you actually don’t need a telescope or binoculars to see these amazing nighttime shows. In reality, according to Space.com, all you need is an open space, away from lights.
Other tips from Space.com:
Get away from bright lights, take time to adjust your eyes to the night sky and avoid looking at your cellphone if you get bored. The bright screen can throw a wrench in your efforts to adjust your night vision.
Give your eyes 30-45 minutes to adapt to the dark, he said, and take in as much of the sky as possible by lying down flat on your back. Meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, and the more sky you see, the better your chance is to spot one.
Let us know in the comments if you’re going to be camping out to view these showers.
