How to catch the shooting stars of spring's first meteor shower, the Lyrids

When the Lyrid meteor shower reaches its peak, it will be spring's first chance to see shooting stars.

The Lyrids have surprised skygazers in the past with as many as 100 meteors per hour, but it's not predicted to be as active this time around.

During Tuesday morning's peak, expect to see around six meteors per hour, said Thaddeus LaCoursiere, planetarium program coordinator at the Bell Museum in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The waning crescent moon will be 40% full, meaning a decent level of visibility under clear and dark conditions.

Viewing lasts until April 26. Here's what to know about the Lyrids and other meteor showers.

What is a meteor shower?

As the Earth orbits the sun, several times a year it passes through debris left by passing comets and sometimes asteroids. The source of the Lyrids is debris from the comet Thatcher.

When these fast-moving space rocks enter Earth's atmosphere, the debris encounters new resistance from the air and becomes very hot, eventually burning up.

Sometimes the surrounding air glows briefly, leaving behind a fiery tail — the end of a ''shooting star.''

You don't need special equipment to see the various meteor showers that flash across annually, just a spot away from city lights.

How to view a meteor shower

The best time to watch a meteor shower is in the early predawn hours when the moon is low in the sky.

Competing sources of light — such as a bright moon or artificial glow — are the main obstacles to a clear view of meteors. Cloudless nights when the moon wanes smallest are optimal viewing opportunities.

And keep looking up, not down. Your eyes will be better adapted to spot shooting stars if you aren't checking your phone.

When is the next meteor shower?

The next major meteor shower, the Eta Aquarids, peaks in early May.

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