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Lyrid Meteor Shower
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KP KP
Published Apr 21, 2004
Modified Mar 6, 2008
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By
KP KP
Published Apr 21, 2004
Modified Mar 6, 2008
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The city is a great venue for many things. Unfortunately, this isn't one of them. But it's still worth noting that the Lyrid meteor shower will peak tonight between 2:00am and dawn. The fact that the moon just entered a new phase may help, but unless there is a blackout again (hey two references in the same day!), and the forecasted thunderstorms back off, there probably won't be much to see. Perhaps those in the outskirts will get lucky.
The shower is the first major one of the season, and is usually modest compared to ones later in the year, but it can be active producing more then one bright streak per minute. According to space.com:
Lyrid meteors can appear anywhere in the sky. But if you trace each one back, it will point toward Vega. The shower is a result of Earth passing through a trail of debris left by a comet called Thatcher, which last passed through the inner solar system in 1861.
Most shooting stars are generated by bits no larger than sand grains that vaporize when they plow into Earth's atmosphere. An occasional bright fireball is sometimes sighted amid the Lyrids, caused by debris perhaps the size of a pea or marble.
Gothamist is thankful for the safety tips they give including, taking a lounge chair to your point of viewing so you can lounge and avoid neck strain.
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