This Year, The Lyrids Meteor Shower Above South Carolina Will Peak On Earth Day In A Celestial Celebration

Get your wish list ready. One of the strongest meteor showers of the year is coming up later this month and you'll want to take advantage of the "make a wish on a shooting star" rule of thumb.

On average, the Lyrids Meteor Shower produces about 20 very strong meteors per hour, but the show lasts for 11 nights. And during the peak, that number could escalate even higher.

Optimal viewing times each night are between midnight and dawn.

The best place in South Carolina to spot the meteors is from anywhere that's not polluted with light or blocked by obstructions.

The peak in 2021 is set to coincide with Earth Day, on April 22nd.

So plan an activity observing Earth Day during the day, and then throw a blanket down somewhere and watch the celestial show after midnight.

The first reported and the most prolific Lyrids Meteor Shower dates all the way back to 687 B.C.

During that first Lyrids shower, some reports said the sky was so bright with meteors that fixed stars became invisible. Let's hope for a repeat performance this year!

The good news? Lyrids is visible to the naked eye so you won't need a high-powered telescope to watch the action.

Mark you calendar twice: once with the dates of the full series (April 16-26) and once with the peak night: April 22nd.

Do you love setting aside some special time and changing your normal routine to include going outside in the middle of the night for celestial events like meteor showers? When was the last time you saw a shooting star? Sound off in the comments!