Get ready for a night of stargazing! The Lyrid meteor shower is returning in April 2025 lighting up the night sky with fast, bright meteors and sometimes even fireballs. It is one of the oldest known meteor showers with records going back over 2,500 years. Each year the meteor is visible between April 16-25 and this year will peak on 25 April 2025.
Where You Can See It
The Lyrids are best seen from the Northern Hemisphere where the radiant (the spot in the sky they seem to come from) rises higher. But don’t worry people in the Southern Hemisphere can still catch a glimpse of the show especially in the early morning hours before sunrise.
Dates
- Active from: April 16 to April 25
- Best night to watch: April 21 into the early morning of April 22
- Peak time: Around 4:00 PM UTC on April 22 (viewing best before dawn in your time zone)
At the peak, you might see 15–20 meteors per hour under dark skies. And on rare occasions, there could be a burst of up to 100 meteors in an hour!
What About the Moon?
Good news—the moon won’t be a problem this year. It’ll be a crescent. This means it rises just a few hours before sunrise and won’t light up the sky too much. That gives you better chances of seeing more meteors.
Best Times to Watch (By Region)
North America & Europe
- When: After midnight until dawn
- Where to look: Toward the northeast
- Tip: Get away from city lights for a darker sky
Asia
- When: After midnight into the early morning
- Where to look: Also toward the northeast
- Tip: Clear skies and minimal light pollution help a lot
Southern Hemisphere (Australia, South America, Southern Africa)
- When: Early morning before dawn
- Where to look: Toward the north
- Tip: Even though the radiant is lower, you might still spot some bright meteors or fireballs
How to Get the Best View
- Find a dark spot: Away from city lights
- Let your eyes adjust: Give yourself 20–30 minutes in the dark
- Bring a blanket or reclining chair: Make yourself comfortable
- Dress warmly: Nights in April can still be cold
- Be patient: Meteors can come in waves—hang out for a while!
Don’t Miss It!
The Lyrid meteor shower is a beautiful reminder of how magical and amazing the night sky can be. It is worth setting your alarm and watching the shower outside. So mark your calendars and enjoy the best sky show in April.
