Tuesday night will be our best opportunity to watch one of the oldest recorded meteor showers at its peak. The Lyrid meteor shower will peak tonight and tomorrow night in southwest Montana with as many as 18 meteors per hour possible.
Each year the Lyrid Meteor Shower runs between April 16th and the 25th. This year the peak is on the 21st and 22nd. The Lyrids are pieces of rock left behind from the Thatcher comet. Montana is one of the best places in the United States to view the meteor shower as the Treasure State has more less light pollution that more populated states.
Here are a few viewing tips:
- Shortly after sunset look toward the north and east. Give yourself 15 minutes to allow your eyes to get used to the dark.
- Look about 5° to 15° above the horizon starting around 9 PM. By midnight the shower will be about 30° above the horizon.
- Tuesday evening will be better viewing than Wednesday as SW Montana will have more clouds and showers moving into the region Wednesday night and Thursday.
We have several more meteor showers this year. Mark your calendars for these great meteor showers this year.
Meteor Shower Date of Peak
Eta Aquarid May 5th-6th
Perseid August 11th-12th
Draconid October 7th- 8th
Orionid October 20th-21st
Leonid November 16th-17th
Geminid December 13th-14th
Ursid December 21st- 22nd