The Lyrid meteor shower peaks on the night of April 21-22. Up to 20 meteors per hour could be visible under dark skies. Best viewing is after midnight.
The Lyrids are an annual meteor shower caused by Earth passing through debris from comet Thatcher at the end of April.
The peak occurs tonight, with forecasts of over 10 to 20 meteors per hour under good conditions. Location does not matter in Sweden or worldwide, as long as one chooses a dark spot with a clear horizon.
Peter Linde, chairman of the Swedish Astronomical Society, advises patience: “If you go out tonight and have a bit of patience, look for an hour, preferably in a recliner, you will be able to see one or another meteor. You should also wear fairly warm clothes because it is still cold at night.” Best chances are hours after midnight, around 2 a.m.
Astronomer Per Bjerkeli told SVT Jönköping: “Preferably lie on the ground, warmly dressed and take half an hour to look up, then you will surely see something.” SMHI's forecast indicates a clear night across the country.
