Lyrids 2026: night of April 22/23 – when and where to watch?
The Lyrids are the first meteor shower visible from Poland in spring and one of the oldest observed by humankind — records of them date back to ancient China. Although their activity is moderate, they offer a good opportunity to begin the observing season after the winter break.
Also check the meteor shower calendar and the 2026 astronomical events calendar.
2026 meteor shower calendar
Compare peak dates, shower activity, Moon conditions and the best observing nights in Poland.
View the meteor calendar
2026 astronomical events calendar
Check the most important sky events month by month and plan your observations in advance.
View the events calendarLyrids 2026 – key information
Lyrids 2026 — key information at a glance
The table below brings together the key information needed to plan your observations: date, conditions, location and practical preparation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
When are the Lyrids in 2026?
The Lyrids are active in the second half of April, and their 2026 peak falls on the night of April 22/23. The shower has a moderately broad maximum, so observing on nearby nights is also worthwhile, although fewer meteors will be visible than at the peak.
Where should you look for the Lyrids?
The Lyrid radiant lies in the constellation Lyra, which is low in the eastern sky in the evening and high above the horizon after midnight. As with other showers, it is best to watch a broad area of the sky rather than focus only on the region around the radiant.
Will the Moon interfere in 2026?
In 2026, the Moon should not significantly interfere with observing the Lyrid maximum. The best conditions in Poland will begin late in the evening on April 22 and improve after midnight, when the radiant rises higher above the horizon.
What are the Lyrids and where do they come from?
The Lyrids originate from particles left behind by the long-period comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher), which orbits the Sun roughly once every 415 years. The shower is one of the oldest documented astronomical phenomena — Chinese chronicles mention it more than 2,600 years ago.
How to prepare for the Lyrids in 10 minutes
- April nights can be cold — bring a warm jacket and something to sit or lie on.
- Plan to observe after midnight, when the radiant is higher and Moon conditions are better.
- Find a location with a wide view of the eastern sky.
- Give your eyes 20–30 minutes to adapt to the darkness.
- Check the cloud forecast on the live storm and precipitation radar.
How to photograph the Lyrids?
A tripod, wide-angle lens, manual focus set to infinity and a sequence of multiple exposures work just as well as for other showers. More tips are available in the guide on how to photograph the night sky and stars.
NIGHT-SKY PHOTOGRAPHY
How to photograph the night sky and meteors?
Learn the camera settings, lens choice, manual focusing and how to work with a sequence of multiple exposures.
Frequently asked questions about the Lyrids
When are the Lyrids in 2026?
The peak falls on the night of April 22/23, 2026.
How many meteors can be seen during the Lyrids?
Under typical conditions, the ZHR is about 18 meteors per hour.
Where do the Lyrids come from?
Their source is the long-period comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher), which orbits the Sun roughly once every 415 years.
Where should you look to see the Lyrids?
The radiant lies in the constellation Lyra, but it is best to observe a broad area of the sky rather than look directly at the radiant.
Are the Lyrids a strong meteor shower?
They are a moderately active shower — weaker than the Perseids or Geminids, but worth watching as the first major shower of spring.
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Continue reading: other showers and tools
Compare nearby showers, check the Moon phase and prepare your camera before the next observing night.
Quadrantids 2026
Check the earlier shower in the annual calendar, its peak, Moon conditions and the best observing hours.
View the previous showerEta Aquariids 2026
Go to the next shower and plan the location, observing time and an alternative night in case of cloud cover.
View the next shower
Moon phases 2026
Compare the shower peak with the full Moon, new Moon, moonrise and moonset times before choosing an observing night.
Check the Moon phasesHow to photograph the night sky and meteors
Camera and phone settings, tripod, focus, ISO, exposure time and preparing a sequence of meteor photographs.
Open the photography guide