2 meteor showers will light up the sky this week in Ontario

The time has come! Not one, but two spectacular meteor showers will be visible to stargazers in southern Ontario this week.

Up first are the Lyrids, originating from comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher. They are known for their mix of bright meteors and occasional outbursts.

The best time to catch them will be late evening on April 21, before the last quarter moon rises at 8:35 p.m. EST. According to EarthSky.org, the peak is expected at 12 p.m. EST on April 22, with an estimated 10–15 meteors per hour visible in dark skies.

As the Lyrids begin to fade, the Eta Aquariids will take over the night sky. Active from April 20 to May 21, this shower originates from Halley’s Comet and is known for its fast-moving meteors with glowing trails, according to Space.com.

The best time to view them will be in the early hours before dawn on May 5, with a peak expected at 10 a.m. EST. The first quarter moon on May 4 provides relatively dark skies for viewing.

In ideal conditions, 10–20 meteors per hour may be visible, with even higher counts in the Southern Hemisphere. If you miss the peak, there’s still time to catch lingering meteors, as the Eta Aquariids remain active until May 21.

Lyrid meteors tend to be rich in faint streaks but can occasionally produce bright fireballs. According to science.nasa.gov, unlike some meteor showers, Lyrids don’t usually leave long-lasting dust trails.

On the other hand, the Eta Aquariids are known for their speed and persistent trails, similar to October’s Orionid meteor shower, both originating from Halley’s Comet.

Halley’s Comet, which takes 76 years to orbit the sun, last appeared in 1986 and won’t return until 2061. Until then, the dust and ice it leaves behind continue to create these dazzling meteor showers.

If you are a first-time stargazer or an astronomy aficionado, here are some items to be prepared with as recommended by Space.com:

• Red flashlight — Fainter meteors require eyes to adjust to the dark, especially when you’re using a night-sky map. The red light will help preserve your night vision.
• Warm clothing — It can get pretty chilly as you wait for the meteor showers. If you’re staying outdoors for an extended period of time, grab a warm hat, coat, scarf and sleeping bag.
• Hot drink — A hot beverage will help keep you warm. Tea and coffee are often the go-to choices, as they also help you stay awake.
• Deck chair — Looking up for hours at a time could strain your neck. For maximum comfort, it’s advised to use a deck chair that keeps you in an inclined position.