Long Island's State Parks To Stay Open For Viewing Of Lyrid Meteor Showers

LONG ISLAND, NY — The sky will soon be full of shooting stars when the first meteor shower in over three months peaks on Tuesday night.

April’s Lyrid meteor shower is the first event of its kind since the Quadrantids peaked in early January, according to a report from AccuWeather.

Peak night for Lyrids 2026 will fall on Tuesday into early Wednesday morning, during which up to 15 to 20 meteors per hour may be visible, the report said.

"The Lyrid meteor shower has the distinction of being among the oldest of known meteor showers,” EarthSky said. “Records of this shower go back for some 2,700 years.”

According to EarthSky, Lyrids are known for their “bright and colorful” meteors, which, in some cases, even produce fireballs.

And now, state parks across Long Island will stay open for viewing of the Lyrid meteor shower event.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced this week that several Long Island state parks will remain open during the nighttime hours for viewing of the Lyrid meteor shower on Tuesday, April 21 and Wednesday, April 22.

Peak viewing times are between the late evening of April 21 through dawn on April 22, state officials said.

There will be no charge and the normal star gazing permit will not be required. Those attending must remain near their vehicles.

"We suggest that you dress appropriately, with temperatures expected to be in the low 40s," state officials said. "Binoculars are not necessary. Look towards the northeast and enjoy the celestial show. "

State Parks that will remain open for viewing are:

• Jones Beach State Park - West End 2 and Field 6

• Sunken Meadow State Park - Field 3

• Montauk Point State Park - Upper Parking Lot

• Wildwood State Park – Field 1 Parking Lot

• Orient Beach State Park – Main Parking Lot

When To Watch

While the best Lyrid viewing conditions are expected from the southwest across the plains into the midwest, AccuWeather meteorologists say breaks in clouds across much of the eastern U.S. should allow for “at least some viewing,” though thicker clouds could limit visibility in the northeast.

The best viewing times will be during the second half of the night when the shower’s radiant point appears high in the sky, according to AccuWeather.

“The higher it rises, the more meteors will appear,” the report said.

According to NASA, the Lyrids are best seen in the Northern Hemisphere during the dark hours (after moonset and before dawn).

“Find an area well away from city lights or street lights. Come prepared with a sleeping bag, blanket, or lawn chair,” NASA said. “Lie flat on your back with your feet facing east and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible.”

“After about 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt, and you will begin to see meteors. Be patient — the show will last until dawn, so you have plenty of time to catch a glimpse.”

For those who can’t catch the Lyrids on Tuesday night, no need to worry — according to AccuWeather, the Eta Aquarids are set to peak on Tuesday, May 5, into the early morning on Wednesday, May 6.

Here’s the current weather forecast throughout Long Island for Monday night into Wednesday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 51 degrees. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming west in the afternoon.

Tuesday night

A 30 percent chance of showers after 2 a.m. Increasing clouds, with a low around 37 degrees. South wind around 7 mph.

Wednesday

Showers likely, mainly before 2 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 53. South wind 9 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Wednesday night

A 30 percent chance of showers before 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Light east wind.