Calling all Scottish stargazers, the annual Lyrid meteor show will peak across the UK sky on Thursday night and into Friday morning and we're in for a treat.

Shooting stars flying across the midnight sky can be a mesmerising sight that you will not want to miss and now is your chance to catch a glimpse.

Here is all you need to know about the celestial event that will bring an end to the meteor shower drought which started on the second night of 2022.


Celestial Events to look forward to in 2022


What is the Lyrid meteor shower?

The shower takes place around this time every year, and although it is not the most impressive, it is typically reliable.

It is named after the Lyra constellation – the star which it appears to come from.

The meteors, which appear as shooting stars, are actually pieces of debris that fall from the Thatcher Comet. It is expected to return in 2276, after a 415-year orbital period.

What time will I be able to see the Lyrid meteor shower?

The National: Lyrid meteor shower where to look. Credit: PA GraphicsLyrid meteor shower where to look. Credit: PA Graphics

This year’s shower began on April 14 and will continue until April 30.

The peak days will be the nights of April 22 and 23.

The best time to watch is between midnight and dawn and it looks like Scottish stargazers have a moderate chance of seeing it. 

Low cloud will push inland from the coast on Thursday evening and into early Friday.

You can watch the full forecast from the Met Office via its YouTube video below.

How can I spot the Lyrid meteor shower?

Viewers are advised to find an open space where there are no trees or high buildings, “particularly towards the east,” said Mr Brown.

Then just lie on the ground, look across the sky, and wait.

“Looking almost east you can find the radial point (where the meteors will appear to come from) in the constellation of Hercules and near the bright star Vega in the constellation of Lyra,” said Mr Brown.

What can you expect to see?

Some 15 to 20 meteors will be produced per hour, but only about 10 of those will be visible to the eye, due to a restricted view of the sky and light pollution in large cities.

Because the Moon is in its crescent phase, it shouldn’t drown out the shower too much.