Lyrids 2026
The Lyrids end the annual 'meteor drought' between January and April. Modest rates (~18/hr) but reliable, with occasional bright fireballs, and a history of rare outbursts up to 100/hr.
Moon conditions for the 2026 peak
A waxing crescent sets early on the 2026 peak night, leaving good dark-sky conditions.
How to watch the Lyrids
- Watch after midnight when the radiant near Vega climbs high.
- About a quarter of Lyrids leave persistent glowing trains, so watch the streak after the meteor fades.
Check your sky first:meteors don't care about clouds, but you will. Open your city's page on our live conditions indexfor tonight's hour-by-hour cloud forecast, or find a certified dark-sky site within driving distance: the single biggest upgrade to your meteor count.
Free Lyrids peak sky alerts, no app required
One email when aurora conditions align at your location, plus meteor reminder and go-time emails for peaks worth watching. Web alerts cover one US location per email.
Lyrids 2026: FAQ
›When do the Lyrids peak in 2026?
Night of April 21–22, 2026. The shower is active April 14 – 30, so nights within a few days of the peak still produce elevated rates, useful insurance if peak night is cloudy where you are.
›What time should I watch the Lyrids?
Midnight until dawn. The radiant (Near Vega in Lyra (northeast)) needs to be above the horizon for you to see meteors, and rates climb as it rises higher.
›How many meteors will I see during the Lyrids?
The ideal-condition rate is up to 18/hour. Realistically: from a dark rural site expect a third to a half of that; from the suburbs, far fewer. A waxing crescent sets early on the 2026 peak night, leaving good dark-sky conditions.
›Where do the Lyrids come from?
Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher. Each year Earth crosses the debris left along its orbit, and those particles hit our atmosphere at 49 km/s, vaporizing as the streaks we call meteors.
›Do I need a telescope for the Lyrids?
No. Meteors cross large areas of sky, so unaided eyes with the widest possible view win. Bring a reclining chair, dress warmer than you think you need, and give your eyes 20 minutes to dark-adapt.