SHOOTING STARS. From April 14 to 30, 2023, the meteor shower of the Lyrids promises a magical spectacle in the sky. Definition, observation, here is all the information you need to know to admire them.
[Updated April 12, 2023 5:20 PM] The Lyrids, one of the most beautiful meteor showers of the year – and also one of the oldest astronomical phenomena observed, 2,700 years ago – are observable in the night sky as early as April 14, 2023. To observe them, look up at the bright star Vega, located to the northeast in the constellation Lyra.
The Lyrids are active until April 30, every night from midnight, visible until dawn. Next will come the meteor shower of the Eta Aquarids, visible in the sky in early May, followed by the star of the year, the Perseids, in August. Here is everything you need to know about the famous Lyrid rain, its definition, its observation, as well as the program for the year in terms of shooting stars.
These are dust grains from comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, discovered in 1861, that crash into the Earth’s atmosphere as the Earth passes through it. Located in the constellation of Lyra and active from April 14 to April 30, the meteor shower of the Lyrids knows, according to the Starwalk website, a peak on the night of April 23, with a rate of 18 observable meteors at hour.
Until April 30, 2023, it is possible to observe the Lyrids, from midnight until dawn. Indeed, the light of the Moon will not interfere with the observations “because it will be a thin crescent during the peak of the rain”, explains the Starwalk site. The brightness should not interfere with the observation of the most visible meteors, especially if you manage to be far from city centers or points of light. When you see a meteor, multiply your wishes, a well-known tradition!
Find below all the essential tips for good preparation and good stargazing. Photography enthusiasts will learn all the tricks necessary to immortalize these magical celestial ballets.
No danger or need for special equipment! Shooting stars are visible to everyone with the naked eye. So no need to get out the binoculars or the telescope, given the high speed at which fireballs pass through the Earth’s atmosphere (an average of 50 km/second). About a quarter of shooting stars leave visible trails for several seconds. To be able to observe a shower of shooting stars in an optimal way, the sky must not be obscured by clouds, or by light pollution. To find your way around more easily, you can use a mobile application such as Sky Tonight available on Google Play or the App Store, which will allow you to identify the constellations and their position in the sky.
Several major stellar meteors of meteors take place throughout 2023. Check out the most notable meteor showers that appear in the sky throughout the year, in chronological order of appearance below. :
