The Lyrids Return: A 2,600-Year-Old Meteor Shower

The Lyrids meteor shower returns this week, offering a celestial spectacle that has been lighting up night skies for over 2,600 years. As Earth passes through the dusty trail of Comet Thatcher, meteors streak across the darkness at 110,000 mph. The best time to view them happens Tuesday night (April 21) into early Wednesday morning (April 22). No telescope needed, just dark skies and patience. Ancient Chinese astronomers documented this same show in 687 B.C.E.