Lyrid Meteor Shower Peaks Wednesday Night, Thursday Morning

Written by JAIMIE CURA (Patch Staff)

The Lyrid meteor shower occurs from April 16 to 25, typically. Its peak time is Wednesday, April 22, into the morning hours of Thursday, April 23.

“The Lyrids will probably be best between midnight and dawn on April 22 or 23, 2015, with the nod being given to April 23,” according to the EarthSky website. “The light of the waxing crescent moon won’t interfere, as it will set way before the peak hours of the Lyrid shower. If you’re out there with friends, a lawn chair to recline on, a sleeping bag to stay warm and thermos of something hot to drink … you’ll have fun.”

Lately, it seems that New York residents haven’t been having much luck weather-wise, when it comes to celestial phenomena. We missed out onseeing the April 4 lunar eclipse due to cloudy conditions and it seems a similar forecast is in store for the Lyrids.

But if the Lyrids are visible, stargazers may be in for a treat.

“Another beautiful feature of the Lyrids to watch for … about one quarter of these swift meteors exhibit persistent trains – that is, ionized gas trails that glow for a few seconds after the meteor has passed,” EarthSky noted.

The National Weather Service Forecast for Rockland County:

Tonight-Mostly cloudy. Showers likely with isolated thunderstorms this evening. Some thunderstorms may produce gusty winds and small hail this evening. Lows in the upper 30s. West winds around 10 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.

Thursday-Partly sunny in the morning...then mostly cloudy with a slight chance of showers in the afternoon. Cooler with highs in the lower 50s. West winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.

Thursday Night-Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 30s. West winds 10 to 15 mph.

Photo by Blyzz, via flickr creative commons

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