Lyrids Meteor Shower in Arizona: How to Watch April 21-22

The Lyrid meteor shower will peak between April 21 and April 22, 2026, offering skywatchers in Arizona a chance to see up to 20 meteors per hour during its most active period.

According to the American Meteor Society, the Lyrids meteor shower will be active from April 14 to April 30, 2026, with peak activity expected on the nights of April 21-22. During this time, observers can expect to see 10-20 meteors per hour, with occasional bright fireballs streaking across the sky.

The shower occurs annually as Earth passes through debris left behind by comet Thatcher, creating the “shooting stars” visible in the night sky. The waxing crescent moon during the peak period will not interfere with viewing conditions, providing favorable darkness for meteor watching.

For optimal viewing in Arizona, experts recommend watching between midnight and dawn when the sky is darkest. Observers should look toward the northeastern sky, where the radiant point of the shower—located near the constellation Lyra—rises during the peak hours. However, meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, so a wide field of view is recommended.

The Lyrids meteor shower is known for producing fast and bright fireballs, making it a notable event despite being less prolific than summer showers like the Perseids. It marks the beginning of a seasonal increase in meteor activity that culminates with the Perseids in August.

Stargazers are advised to find locations away from city lights for the best experience, allowing eyes to adjust to the darkness for at least 20-30 minutes before observing. No special equipment is needed to view the meteor shower with the naked eye.