By April Rodgers Content Coordinator
The Lyrid meteor shower is set to dazzle skywatchers once again, lighting up the night sky from April 17 to April 26, with peak activity expected around the early morning hours of April 22.
For stargazers in Crawford County, this annual celestial event offers a chance to witness one of the oldest known meteor showers. The Lyrids are known for their bright trails and occasional fireballs. While meteors can be spotted anytime during the shower’s active period, the best viewing window is between midnight and dawn, when the radiant point—the part of the sky where the meteors appear to originate—is highest.
That radiant point is located in the constellation Lyra, near the brilliant blue-white star Vega, one of the brightest stars in the night sky. The shower’s activity is also near the constellation Hercules, both found in the northeastern sky when viewed from Crawford County.
This year, a waxing crescent moon will be present during the peak, which may slightly impact visibility in the evening hours. As the moon sets and the sky darkens overnight, conditions will improve—especially just before dawn.
Weather conditions for Crawford County on the morning of April 22 are currently forecasted to be partly cloudy with a low around 49°F, offering a decent chance to catch a meteor show—clouds permitting. As always, take the forecast with a grain of salt—it’s Ohio, where the weather forecasters are just as surprised as the rest of us.
Grab a blanket, head somewhere dark away from city lights, and look northeast toward Vega. No telescope required—just patience, warm clothes, and maybe a big cup of hot chocolate.
