المملكة: Jeddah Astronomy: Lyrid meteors decorate the sky of the Kingdom at dawn on Thursday

Annual meteor shower, which is The Lyrid meteors, which reach their peak during the late hours of the night on Wednesday, April 22, and the dawn of Thursday, April 23, 2026, in an astronomical spectacle awaited by those interested in observing the sky due to its beauty and ease of viewing.

He explained that the Lyrid meteors are among the periodic astronomical phenomena resulting from the remnants of comet Thatcher “C/1861 G1”, as these particles enter the Earth’s atmosphere at high speeds reaching It reaches about 49 kilometers per second, burning at an altitude of between 100 and 120 kilometers, forming fast, bright lines of light, and may sometimes leave glowing effects that last for a few seconds. This shower is also famous for the possibility of bright fireballs appearing from time to time.

Perfect viewing

Abu Zahra pointed out that the best observing times in the Arab world begin at midnight and continue until just before sunrise, with a peak. Ideal viewing is between two o’clock in the morning until dawn, as monitoring opportunities gradually improve as the radiation point in the sky rises.

He pointed out that in appropriate conditions it is possible to monitor between 10 and 15 meteors per hour, while the theoretical rate in ideal conditions is about 18 meteors per hour.

Dark Skies

Abu Zahra confirmed that this year is characterized by good observing conditions, as the moon will be in the crescent phase and will set in Early at night, which leaves the sky dark during peak hours, which is an important factor that enhances the chances of seeing meteors, especially faint ones.

He explained that the meteors appear to emanate from the constellation Lyre, specifically near the bright star Vulture, but their appearance is not limited to this region, as they can be seen in various parts of the sky, with the advantage of directing the gaze towards the northeastern horizon.

Astronomical Event

Abu Zahra added that monitoring this phenomenon does not require the use of equipment. Astronomical, as the naked eye is the best way to follow it due to the wide field of view, while photography enthusiasts can use cameras with wide lenses with long exposure settings to capture this astronomical event.

In a related context, he advised staying away from sources of light pollution to get the best viewing experience, indicating that desert areas and locations far from cities such as Al-Ula, the Thumama Desert, and the regions of the north of the Kingdom and the Empty Quarter are among the best locations for observing this event, along with similar sites in a number of countries. Arabic.

Night Vision

Also called Head The Astronomical Society in Jeddah Those wishing to observe should give their eyes sufficient time to adapt to the darkness, and choose a comfortable location that allows seeing a wide area of the sky, while avoiding using mobile phones during monitoring to maintain the quality of night vision.

He concluded by pointing out that the Lyrid meteors are among the oldest meteor showers known historically, as their observations were recorded more than 2,700 years ago in ancient astronomical records, and they are active annually during the period from 16 to April 25, is the first meteor shower in the spring, making its appearance this year under favorable conditions a special opportunity to observe a rare and attractive natural celestial display.

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