Lyrid meteor shower 2023: How to see the shooting stars in Birmingham - when do they peak

Birmingham stargazers will be treated to a night sky lit up with shooting stars over the next few weeks as the Lyrid meteor shower takes place across the country. The spectacle takes place every year in April, during which people from around the world can witness the celestial event as long as the weather allows.

As the comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher) orbits our sun, it leaves a trail of space debris, which crashes into Earth’s atmosphere once a year. As the debris burns up in our atmosphere, it produces the annual Lyrids meteor shower.

At its peak, the Lyrids can produce 18 meteors per hour. They are usually seen as bright objects with long tails in our night sky - and there is a good chance seeing at least one of them turn into a fireball.

With the meteor shower due to start in the next few days, here is everything you need to know about how to best watch the spectacle in the Birmingham night sky.

When will the Lyrids meteor shower take place in the Birmingham sky?

The Lyrids meteor shower will be visible in the Birmingham night sky from April 15, and the number of meteors will increase each night until their peak early on Sunday April 23. The spectacle will then drop off before being gone completely for this year by April 30.

According to the Greenwich Royal Observatory, the best time to look out for the celestial event is during the early morning of April 22 and April 23, during the event’s peak.

How can I watch the Lyrids meteor shower in Birmingham?

The Lyrids meteor shower is visible with the naked eye, but there are a few things to keep in mind to get the most out of the experience. The main thing is the weather, with clear skies required in order to catch a glimpse of the event.

The Greenwich Royal Observatory recommends finding an elevated spot away from artificial lights and light pollution. It is also recommended to turn off any phones or torches at least 15 minutes before so that your eyes can adjust properly.