The Lyrids are the product of a comet called C/1861 G1 (Thatcher) that has a roughly 422-year orbit around the Sun; their radiant point, or place in the sky from which they seem to fall, is close to the constellation Lyra, which gives them their name.

As Earth journeys around the Sun, it periodically encounters streams of cosmic debris, resulting in the captivating phenomenon known as meteor showers. Among

That's when the Lyrid meteor shower - one of the oldest known and most reliable meteor showers of the year - lights up the night. The Lyrids will peak overnight from April 21, 2025 into April 22, 2025 this year.