When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.The Lyrids are back! Here’s where to look and how to spot these shooting stars under dark moonless skies. | Credit: Created in Canva ProThe Lyrid meteor shower is back, and knowing where to look can make all the difference when it comes to spotting these fast, bright shooting stars!The Lyrids appear to radiate from the constellation Lyra, which rises in the northeast and climbs higher in the sky toward the early morning hours. (Yes, sorry, this shower favors the early birds!)AdvertisementAdvertisementYou can find Lyra by locating Vega, one of the brightest stars visible in the night sky at this time of year. It’ll be shining bright above the northeastern horizon shortly after sunset and climb higher in the sky as the night progresses. A dedicated stargazing app can help you identify targets like Vega in the night sky with ease. BUT don’t look directly at the radiant. While meteors appear to originate from Lyra, the longest and most dramatic streaks often appear farther away. Make sure to scan the sky surrounding the radiant while also keeping an eye on the rest of the sky, as Lyrids can appear unexpectedly in any and all parts of the sky!The Lyrids can produce up to 15-20 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. Fortunately, the moon won’t interfere with this year’s display, as it will set after midnight and leave dark skies for peak viewing!The radiant of the Lyrid meteor shower is located near the Hercules-Lyra border. | Credit: Future5 top tips to see the Lyrid meteor showerDon’t look directly at the radiant: Look slightly away from Lyra to catch longer, brighter meteor trails.Face the darkest part of the sky: Turn away from city lights and aim your gaze at the darkest, clearest patch of sky possible.Choose a wide, unobstructed view: Open landscapes like fields, beaches or hilltops give you a better chance at spotting meteors across a larger area.Let your eyes adjust to the dark: Give your eyes at least 20-30 minutes to adapt, and avoid looking at your phone, as doing so means you’ll nee …
