The Lyrid Meteor Shower

The Lyrid meteor showers is an annual event where the April Lyrids shoot across the sky from the 16th-26th of the month. 

The peak of the meteor shower this year will be Saturday night, the 21st, and early morning on Sunday the 22nd. 

The Lyrids are space dust from the comet, Thatcher, which orbits our sun every 415 years. Earth crosses the path of the comet every April and bits of rock enter our upper atmosphere at the rate of 110,000 mph, resulting in a phenomenal display across the night sky.

The Lyrids get their name because they are seen in the constellation Lyra the Harp. They were first observed by the Chinese more than 2,600 years ago.

As the Lyrid meteor shower takes place throughout the week, you can usually see an average of 20 meteors in an hour. However during its peak period, scientists have documented up to 96 meteors in one hour, which is what makes the shower so exciting and spectacular. 

According to the Palm Beach Post, the best view of the nature-made fireworks for Palm Beach County residents is on Singer Island. As the eastern most part of the state, the island has an unpolluted view of the starry night sky over the clear ocean water which will reflect and intensify the meteor shower. 

Singer Island condo owners are the ones with the truly best view- from their own terraces with a front row seat. New residents should consider investing in a telescope, since the Lyrid shower is an annual phenomenon.

 If you want to see the meteor shower at it greatest, the best time would be very early Sunday when it's still dark. You will still be able to see the meteors every night through Thursday, when Earth and Thatcher finish crossing.