Stargazing on a clear summer night can be a wonderful experience. Millions of bright stars illuminating the dark sky can be soothing and really peaceful. And if you have watched the Bollywood film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, you might even look forward to shooting stars so you can wish all your dreams come true. Folks at Hyderabad, you can witness a display of natural fireworks in the skies today. How? Well, your city, is going to experience Lyrids meteor shower today so get ready to make the most of this once in a lifetime opportunity.
What Is Lyrids Meteor Shower?
Lyrids is one of the oldest meteor shower ever known to man. It was first observed around 2700 years ago. NASA states that the first sighting of the Lyrids meteor shower was recorded by the Chinese in the year 687 BC. This is an annual celestial event that happens in the month of April between the 16th and 25th of the month. The Lyrids meteor shower appears to originate from the star Vega, which is the brightest star in the constellation Lyra, the harp from where the meteor shower gets its name, Lyrids. Vega is also the second brightest star in the sky in the northern hemisphere. It’s easily spotted even in light-polluted areas.
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This year, the Lyrids meteor shower can be visible from Hyderabad. It will peak on the intervening night of 22nd April and 23rd April, in the city. You can witness this phenomenon from dusk to dawn. The best time to spot it will be between 10 pm to 4 am local time (IST), in the East-Northeast direction. On an average, you can see 10 meteors per hour during the peak of the shower visible from the city. You can even Enjoy A Star-Gazing Experience At The Kolkata Astronomy Centre
How Can You Witness It?
To witness this magnificent experience, you don’t need any special skill or equipment. But you do need a clear sky and lots of patience. Select a spot as high as you can like the roof of a building to avoid pollution and street ambience, since pollution, both air and light and hinder your view. You can enhance your stargazing experience with the use of technology. Some of the popular apps for this purpose are Google Sky Map, Stellarium, Starwalk and exoplanet. Last but not the least, lie down flat on your back with your feet facing east and all0w your eyes to adjust to the darkness. This will take at least 20 to 30 minutes. So lay back and enjoy every moment that the universe offers to you.