A little escape to the program of this weekend, with a shower of shooting stars! On the night of Sunday, April 22 to Monday, April 23, early risers (or the night owls) will be able to observe up to 20 meteors per hour, says Science Post . All night long, while the moon will be unobtrusive - being in the increasing moon period - a meteor shower of the Lyrids will make the sky twinkle, as every year on the same date. If the Lyrids last traditionally from April 16 to 26, producing each night a ballet of stars, it is this weekend that the show will be the most visible, this date corresponding to the peak intensity of the meteor swarm. Thus, there will be no need for material to observe the phenomenon, admirable to the naked eye.
The phenomenon, also called "Alpha Lyrides" or "April Lyrides", is due to the cross between the Earth and Comet Tchatcher. In the wake of the latter, debris, including small meteors, "are found burned in the atmosphere, says Science Post. The resistance to the rock due to the earth's atmosphere makes indeed increase its temperature. We sometimes see the warm, glowing air created by these fiery meteors, and nicknamed them "shooting stars".
How to observe the Lyrids?
To count among the lucky ones of the night, it will be necessary to get up early (or to watch late). Before sunrise, it is in the direction of the star Vega, the brightest of the constellation of Lyra - which gave its name to the Lyrids - that it will be necessary to look up. For maximum visibility, stay away, of course, from city lights or other light pollution that would prevent you from clearly distinguishing the phenomenon. And for less connoisseurs, mobile apps - like SkyView or Star Walk for example - are available on smartphones to maximize the chance to look in the right place and learn more about the constellations that glitter above our heads.
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