Lyrids 2027: peak on 23 April, Moon 95% lit
The Lyrids peak on 23 April and are active from 14 April to 30 April. At the peak the Moon will be 95% lit: poor (moon) conditions. From Madrid, the best time is around 06:04 CEST, with about 4 meteors per hour under a dark sky.
- Peak
- Active
- 14 April – 30 April
- Peak rate (ZHR)
- 18 per hour
- Moon at peak
- 95% ·
- Radiant
- Lyra (RA 271°, Dec +34°)
- Speed
- 49 km/s
- Parent body
- C/1861 G1 (Thatcher)
In 2028: peak on 22 April, Moon 6% lit.
Peak night in your city
| City | Best time | Meteors/hour* | Radiant rises | Moon-free dark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MadridSpain | 06:04 CEST | 4 | 21:54 CEST | 1 hr 10 mins |
| IstanbulTürkiye | 05:05 TRT | 4 | 20:45 TRT | 1 hr 10 mins |
| São PauloBrazil | 03:56 BRT | 2 | 23:12 BRT | 20 mins |
| Mexico CityMexico | 04:15 CST | 4 | 21:38 CST | 1 hr 10 mins |
| Rio de JaneiroBrazil | 03:43 BRT | 2 | 22:57 BRT | 20 mins |
| AnkaraTürkiye | 04:46 TRT | 4 | 20:36 TRT | 1 hr 10 mins |
| BursaTürkiye | 05:02 TRT | 4 | 20:42 TRT | 1 hr 10 mins |
| IzmirTürkiye | 05:15 TRT | 4 | 21:00 TRT | 1 hr 10 mins |
| Buenos AiresArgentina | 04:46 ART | 2 | 00:41 ART | 0 mins |
| Belo HorizonteBrazil | 03:48 BRT | 3 | 22:50 BRT | 30 mins |
* Estimate for a dark rural sky, taking the radiant’s altitude and the Moon into account. From a city you will see far fewer. Local time for each city.
ZHR: meteors per hour with the radiant overhead and a perfectly dark sky. In practice you see fewer.
How to watch
No telescope or binoculars needed. Find a dark spot away from lights, lie back looking at the highest part of the sky and give your eyes 20 minutes to adapt. Meteors appear in every direction; their trails point back to the radiant.
Frequently asked questions
What time are the most Lyrids visible?
When the radiant is high and the sky is dark, usually in the second half of the night. From Madrid, on the peak night the best time is around 06:04 CEST.
Will the Moon interfere?
At the peak the Moon will be 95% lit. Above 65 % with the Moon high, faint meteors are lost; try watching when the Moon is below the horizon, or with your back to it.
Source and accuracy
IAU 006 LYR