Sky-gazers are in for a treat this week as the Lyrid meteor shower is set to peak before the arrival of a full moon, providing a celestial spectacle that should not be missed. Despite the bright moon potentially interfering with visibility, experts have provided tips for optimal viewing.
The Lyrid meteor shower is expected to be most active on Sunday night through early Monday morning, with up to 18 meteors per hour visible. However, those in the Southern Hemisphere may not have as high of a rate of meteors seen as the radiant will not rise high enough.
To catch a glimpse of the meteor shower, experts suggest going outside at least 10-15 minutes before attempting to spot a meteor and finding a dark location with a clear view of the sky. Additionally, the pink moon, also known as April’s full moon, will be visible to sky-gazers across the world, offering a beautiful sight to behold.
The term “pink moon” originated from its annual appearance near the start of spring, named after a pink wildflower. Looking ahead, full moons in 2024 will include supermoons in September and October, providing unique opportunities to view larger and brighter moons.
In addition to the Lyrid meteor shower and full moons, there are multiple meteor showers scheduled for the remainder of 2024, giving celestial enthusiasts more opportunities to marvel at the night sky. Notable eclipse events in 2024 include a total solar eclipse on April 8, an annular solar eclipse on October 2, and a partial lunar eclipse in September. Don’t miss out on these incredible celestial events throughout the year.
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