NORTH CAROLINA — If you’re lucky, you might just catch a streak of light, or even a fireball, in the sky this week. The annual Lyrid meteor shower, one of the oldest known meteor showers, is underway and will peak the night of April 21 into the early morning hours the next day.

The Lyrids occur as Earth passes through debris left behind by Comet Thatcher, which takes 415 years to orbit the sun. 

Experts say, to get the best view for the show, go outside after midnight. North Carolinians should expect to see 10 to 20 meteors per hour, and if you're lucky 100 meteors per hour. It's best to view them away from city lights and in clear, dark skies. The meteors should appear toward the northeast and radiate from the constellation Lyra, one of the sky’s brightest stars.

According to a statement from the American Meteor Society:

"The Lyrids are a medium strength shower that usually produces good rates for three nights centered on the maximum. These meteors also usually lack persistent trains but can produce fireballs. These meteors are best seen from the northern hemisphere where the radiant is high in the sky at dawn. Activity from this shower can be seen from the southern hemisphere, but at a lower rate. Maximum is predicted to occur near 13UT on April 22nd. The waning crescent moon will slightly interfere with viewing these meteors in 2025."

No telescope is needed — just relax and enjoy!