What Exactly is a Meteor Shower? Here's What to Expect

This week we'll be talking about meteor showers!

Starting tonight and for the next several days, we're entering the prime viewing window for the Lyrids, one of the most reliable meteor showers of the year.

A meteor shower occurs when Earth passes through the debris trail left by orbiting comets and the residual particles essentially burn up as they Earth's atmosphere slams into them. It's similar to driving through a blizzard in your car, it's not that the snow is moving fast, it's being impacted by the windshield in the same way the lingering dust and rock material are being slammed into by the Earth.

The peak doesn't occur until early Wednesday morning, but if you go out tonight and look due East as close to midnight as possible, you may see a few stray meteor streaks. Be patient, they're few and far between even in the dark countryside, and they're easily washed out by light pollution.

One favorable factor this year as that the Moon is nearly new, therefore its light doesn't interfere with meteors.

Tomorrow we'll discuss more observing techniques, for now you can read more here:

Lyrid meteor shower 2020 peaks this week! Here's what to expect.

One of the "Old Faithful" of the annual meteor showers will be reaching its peak this week: the April Lyrids. The 2020 Lyrid meteor shower this week coincides with the new moon, meaning that there will be absolutely no lunar interference with getting a good view of these celestial streakers.

Check back each weekday @ 5:00 pm for more observing guides and science news!

Leave comments and questions on our page and feel free to reach us directly at contact@standleylakestargazing.com. As always-

Stay well, and clear skies!

Aric VyhmeisterComment