Catch a Glimpse of the Lyrid Meteor Shower from Mississauga

 

If you’re interested in a pretty view, keep your eyes on the sky these next few nights.

The Lyrids — a prominent meteor shower that peaks in late April — are currently making their way across the sky, according to a recent Space.com article.

Visible from most areas in the Northern Hemisphere, the meteors can be seen between April 16 and April 25, which means you still have a few days left to check them out if you haven’t gotten a chance.

According to the article, the average Lyrid shower produces 15 to 20 meteors per hour, and in past years has reached intense highs of up to 100 meteors per hour, called an “outburst.”

The source for the meteors is a comet with a centuries-wide orbit known as the Comet Thatcher, which was discovered  in 1861 on its last closest approach to the solar system. The comet is expected to return in 2276.

Enjoy the view, Mississauga!

(Photo credited to Mark Lissick/Wildlight Nature Photography)