Lyrid Meteor Shower Coming to Australia Next Week: When and How to See It

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - There seems to be no shortage of celestial spectacles for Australians lately. Just next week, another stellar event worth stopping for will grace the skies: the Lyrid meteor shower.

As one of the oldest meteor showers in recorded history, the Lyrids originate from debris left behind by Comet Thatcher, which orbits the sun every 415.5 years. The shower returns annually from mid to late April, typically producing around 10 to 20 shooting stars per hour, according to NASA.

So, how will the 2026 edition of the Lyrid meteor shower make its appearance? Let’s take a closer look at the guide below.

When is the Lyrid meteor shower in Australia?

Citing Space.com, the Lyrid meteor shower is visible annually between April 16 and 25. The upcoming 2026 event is projected to reach its peak during the night between Tuesday, April 22, and Wednesday, April 23.

Is the Lyrid meteor shower visible in Australia?

Although NASA suggests the Northern Hemisphere offers the best viewing conditions, Australia remains a viable spot to witness the Lyrids. With a sufficiently dark location, patience, and clear skies, this stellar event can still be captured across Australian horizons.

Projected to produce around 10 to 20 meteors per hour, skygazers may also be treated to unpredictable surges, with occasional outbursts reaching up to 100 meteors per hour, as reported by Yahoo! Life and NASA. Given the variability, it is best to stay prepared for any sudden bursts during this must-see April 2026 night sky event.

Where to watch the Lyrid meteor shower in Australia?

As with most astronomical events, visibility can be unpredictable. The best thing you can do is head to a suitable viewing location. Various sources recommend choosing a dark place with a clear, unobstructed view of the sky, far from city lights and street illumination.

How to watch the Lyrid meteor shower in Australia

Simply lie back and keep your eyes on the sky. Bringing a sleeping bag, blanket, or lawn chair will make the experience more comfortable, especially as your eyes need at least 30 minutes to adapt to the darkness before peak viewing.

Ultimately, catching the Lyrids could be the highlight of your April. But if you are outside the Land Down Under, you can still catch the Lyrid meteor shower in Singapore.

Read: 7 Dazzling Night Sky Events in April Worth Watching

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