Posted in Missouri March 25, 2020 by

Surges Of Up To 18 Meteors Per Hour Will Light Up The Missouri Skies During The 2020 Lyrid Meteor This April

Get ready for an epic show in the sky, Missouri! But, before the annual Lyrid Meteor Showers dart across the sky, scout out a dark place. Find a spot away from light pollution, such as street lights and lights from homes, so you’ll have a much easier time seeing an average of 18 meteors an hour.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
The annual Lyrid Meteor Showers return to the sky next month, between April 16 and 25. While you may be able to see meteor showers on most evenings during that period, you’ll definitely want to head outdoors for the…
Flickr/Sugarbear96
Peak, estimated to be April 21-22, 2020. During the peak, stargazers will be able to see up to 18 meteors an hour. Keep an eye out, too, for the dust trails that lag behind, for a few seconds, each meteor.
Flickr/SugarBear96
The Lyrid Meteors are named after the constellation Lyra and were first recorded some 2,700 years ago, around 687 BC, by the Chinese.
Flickr/Phillip Chee
You’ll see fireballs during the meteor showers. Those fireballs are a result of debris from the Thatcher Comet, which takes 400 years to travel around the sun. (Experts say it will next be visible from earth in 2276.)
Flickr/Scott Butner
You should be able to see meteors darting across the sky any time between April 16 and 25. However, if you want to increase your chances of seeing more meteor showers, head outdoors on the peak evening of April 21-22.
Flickr/Mike Lewinski
Although 10 to 12 meteors per hour is the average, that number jumps to 18 an hour on the peak evening.
Flickr/Virginia State Parks
On the evening you plan to stargaze, head outdoors and gaze at the sky. It usually takes around a half an hour for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. After they adjust, you should start seeing the Lyrids shooting across the sky.
Flickr/Rocky Raybell

Do you plan on watching the Lyrid Meteor Showers this April? Have you done so before? Let us know in the comments! Then, check out these 14 beautiful photos of Missouri at night.

Address: Missouri, USA