Lyrid meteor shower visible next week

MANILA, Philippines - Skywatchers can enjoy the Lyrid meteor shower early next week, the state weather bureau said yesterday.

Vicente Malano, acting administrator of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), said the Lyrid meteor shower will be active from April 16 to 25.

Malano said under optimal condition, the Lyrids generate a dozen meteors per hour with a brief maximum that lasts for less than a day.

“The shower’s peak this year will be in progress on April 21 to predawn of April 22,” he said.

The Lyrids have been observed for more than 2,600 years. Chinese records show “stars fell like rain” during the meteor shower of 687 B.C., Malano said.

“Although not numerous, Lyrids are bright and fast meteors,” he said.

Observers in the northern hemisphere can have the best view of the Lyrids, according to a Norwegian website, timeanddate.com.

“Astronomers suggest lying down on the ground looking toward the East and look at the sky above to view the Lyrids. The best time to view the Lyrids is after nightfall and before dawn,” it said.

Malano said Lyrid showers have been weak recently.

Considered the oldest known meteor shower, the Lyrid was named after the constellation Lyra.