The Lyrid Meteor Shower will reach its peak on Tuesday, April 21, and Wednesday, April 22.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Annual Lyrid Meteor Shower peaks on April 21st and 22nd. Here is a look at the best time to view it and where to look.

The meteor shower is expected to produce roughly 10 to 20 meteors per hour under ideal viewing conditions, with the best chances coming after midnight. Observers should look toward the northeastern sky, near the constellation Lyra, home to one of the brightest stars, Vega.

The Lyrids occur each year as Earth passes through a stream of debris left behind by Comet Thatcher, a comet that last traveled through the inner solar system in 1861. As tiny particles from the comet enter Earth’s atmosphere at high speed, they burn up, creating shooting stars.

While the hourly rate is modest compared to some other meteor showers, the Lyrids are known for occasionally producing bright fireballs. 

Another advantage of this event is timing. Unlike winter meteor showers, the Lyrids arrive during milder spring temperatures across much of the Northern Hemisphere, making for more comfortable viewing conditions for those venturing out in the pre-dawn hours. 

It is recommended to head to a dark location away from city lights to maximize visibility. Clear skies are essential, as cloud cover can quickly obscure the relatively faint meteors.

The best time to view it is from an hour after midnight through an hour before sunrise.Â