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Image Credit: NASA/MSFC/MEO/B. Cooke
It’s nearly time for April’s Lyrid meteor shower. The best night in 2012 will probably be from late night April 21 until dawn April 22. But you could also try watching on the night before or after (April 20/21 and April 22/23). Expect to see about 10-20 meteors per hour at the peak. Consider you might see less – or more. Now the really good news.
After patiently enduring bright moonlight for all the major showers at the end of 2011 (including the Perseids, Draconids, Orionids, Leonids and Geminids), the 2012 Lyrid shower will be moon-free! The new moon guarantees a dark sky in the late night and morning hours, the best time to watch the Lyrid shower.
Vega marks the radiant point of April’s Lyrid meteor shower
2012 Lyrid meteors best before dawn April 21 and 22
