Lyrid meteor shower to light up Singapore skies between April 22 and 23

SINGAPORE - Singapore’s night sky could soon play host to a fleeting but dazzling show, as the annual Lyrid meteor shower peaks between April 22 and 23.

While the shower will be active from April 17 to 26, the best chance to catch it will be during its peak nights.

After 1am, sky-watchers may spot fast, bright meteors – often called “shooting stars” – streaking across the sky.

These streaks are caused by tiny bits of debris from Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher burning up in Earth’s atmosphere as the planet passes through the trail it leaves behind.

At its peak, observers in Singapore can expect to see 10 to 20 meteors per hour, said the Observatory at Science Centre in an April 17 media factsheet.

While Lyrid meteors typically do not leave long dust trails, they can occasionally produce exceptionally bright flashes.

Rare surges in activity – where up to 100 meteors an hour have been recorded – happen about once every 60 years, due to gravitational shifts affecting the comet’s debris trail. The next such outburst is expected in 2042.

The Lyrids are among the oldest-known meteor showers, with sightings recorded as far back as 687BC in China. They appear to radiate from the area around the constellation Lyra, giving the shower its name.

No special equipment is needed to enjoy the view from Singapore, said the Observatory at Science Centre.

For the best chance of spotting a meteor, head to a dark, open area such as a park, beach or reservoir, far from city lights, and keep your eyes on the sky. Cloud cover can affect visibility, so checking the weather forecast is recommended.

Whether you are a seasoned sky-watcher or a curious night owl, the Lyrids offer a simple pleasure: a chance to catch a few shooting stars, no telescope required.