Get ready for a cosmic display: Lyrid meteor shower peaks overnight Monday

🌠 Get Ready for a Cosmic Display: Lyrid Meteor Shower Peaks Overnight Monday...

The Lyrid meteor shower, which occurs every year and reaches its peak on Monday, April 21, 2025, and into the early morning of Tuesday, April 22, 2025, is a treat for astronomers in Dhaka and throughout Bangladesh. For seasoned astronomers as well as casual skywatchers, this ancient spectacle offers an excellent opportunity to witness one of nature's most captivating events—a stunning display of meteors streaking across the night sky.

🌌 What Are the Lyrids?.

With records dating back more than 2,700 years, the Lyrid meteor shower is one of the oldest known. When Earth passes through the debris trail left by Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher in April, it occurs annually. Meteors are bright streaks of light that are produced when comet fragments enter Earth's atmosphere and burn up. The constellation Lyra is the source of the Lyrids' radiant point, which is where the meteors appear to have come from.

🌠 Viewing the Lyrids in Dhaka......

The Lyrid meteor shower is most visible to Dhaka observers in the early morning hours of April 22 between 3:00 a.m. and dawn. The radiant point close to the bright star Vega will be high in the sky during this time, making it ideal for viewing. Find a spot away from the lights of the city, like open fields or rooftops, where the sky is clear to get the most out of your experience.

🌙 Moon Phase and Viewing Conditions......

The Lyrid meteor shower's peak occurs in 2025 on the crescent moon, which will rise after midnight. As a result, the meteor showers will be easier to see in the early morning hours before the moon rises. Up to 15 to 20 meteors per hour can be seen by observers in ideal conditions. Although such outbursts are unpredictable, the Lyrids can occasionally produce outbursts of up to 100 meteors per hour.

🌍 A Global Phenomenon.........

The radiant point of the Lyrid meteor shower, which is close to Vega and can be seen from anywhere in the world, is in the northern sky, making it more visible in the Northern Hemisphere. The best vantage points will be from observers in Asia, Europe, and North America, including Bangladesh. On the other hand, viewers in the Southern Hemisphere might notice that the meteors are lower in the sky, making them harder to see.

🌠 Tips for Stargazing......

Choose a Dark Spot: To reduce light pollution, select a location away from city lights. Give Your Eyes Time to Adjust: For best viewing, give your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness. NASA

Bring Comfortable Items: If you want to look at the sky in comfort, bring a blanket or a reclining chair. Utilize Apps for Stargazing: Apps like Stellarium and Sky Tonight can assist you in locating the radiant point and recognizing constellations.

🌠 Beyond the Lyrids: A Month of Celestial Events........

There are a lot of astronomical events in April 2025. The Eta Aquarid meteor shower, which occurs concurrently with the Lyrid meteor shower, is active from April 20 to May 21, peaking on May 3 and 4. Fast-moving meteors, particularly visible in the Southern Hemisphere, are a hallmark of this Halley's Comet shower. Space

In addition, Venus, Saturn, and a small crescent moon will form a rare planetary "smiley face" in the sky on April 25. Another reason to look up this month is that this delightful formation will be visible just before sunrise.

🌠 Final Thoughts.......

The Lyrid meteor shower is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to connect with the universe. This celestial event promises to be a memorable experience for everyone, whether you're an experienced astronomer or just a casual observer. So, mark April 21 on your calendar, pick a spot to look at the stars, and get ready to see the Lyrids shining brightly over Dhaka.