Lyrid meteor showers to light up weekend

Stargazers will be in for a heavenly treat when the annual Lyrid meteor shower peaks from the evening of April 22 to predawn of April 23.

The Lyrids typically generate a dozen meteors per hour under optimal conditions, with a brief maximum that lasts less than a day, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

The Lyrids are bits of debris left behind by the repeat passages through the inner solar system of comet Thatcher, the Pagasa said in its astronomical diary for the month.

The Lyrid got its name from its radiant point, which is the constellation Lyra, the Lyre.

Although they have been observed for more than 2,600 years, with Chinese records in 687 B.C. even describing them as “stars [falling] like rain,” the meteor showers have been generally weak in recent times, the Pagasa said.

Despite not being numerous, the Lyrids are still known for being “bright and fast meteors,” the Pagasa said.—JAYMEE T. GAMIL