Lyrid Meteor Shower and Planet Parade Light Up the Night Sky This Week

When, Where & How to Watch the Celestial Double Show on April 21–22

Skywatchers in the Northern Hemisphere are in for a jaw-dropping cosmic event this week. The Lyrid meteor shower, one of the oldest and most reliable annual meteor displays, is peaking on the night of April 21 into the early hours of April 22, 2025. As if that weren’t enough, a rare planetary alignment will also grace the skies in the early morning hours. Get ready for a back-to-back space spectacle!

What Is the Lyrid Meteor Shower?

The Lyrids are ancient. In fact, they’ve been observed for nearly 2,700 years. Every April, Earth crosses the dusty trail left behind by Comet Thatcher, and the result is a cascade of bright meteors streaking across the sky.

Expect to see around 15 to 20 meteors per hour, with a few bright fireballs possibly making surprise appearances.

Best Time and Place to Watch

Peak viewing time is after midnight on April 21, continuing into the pre-dawn hours of April 22. For the best chance of seeing the show:

• Find a dark location away from city lights.

• Lie flat or sit in a reclining chair to see as much sky as possible.

• Let your eyes adjust to the dark for 20–30 minutes.

• Avoid looking at your phone or any bright lights.

Where to Look in the Sky

The meteors will seem to radiate from the constellation Lyra, home to the bright star Vega, which will rise in the northeastern sky. But don’t fixate on one spot—Lyrids can appear anywhere in the sky.

Bonus Treat

: Planet Parade Before Sunrise

Right before dawn on April 22, the skies will gift stargazers with a planet parade—a rare alignment of Saturn , Mars, Jupiter , and Venus . They’ll form a graceful arc across the eastern horizon.

Here’s how it lines up:

•saturn rises first, dim but visible

•Mars appears next with its reddish glow

•Jupiter and Venus follow, both bright and unmistakable


While binoculars or a telescope can enhance the view, all four planets are visible with the naked eye if the sky is clear.

Tips for the Best Viewing Experience

Check the local weather for cloud cover

Dress warmly—nights can still be chilly in April

Bring a blanket or reclining chair for comfort

A thermos of coffee or hot chocolate is a great companion

Stay out for at least an hour for a better chance of catching meteors

Don’t Miss This Rare Celestial Double Feature

It’s not every day that a meteor shower and a planetary alignment occur on the same night. So take the time to step outside, look up, and take in the magic of the cosmos. No telescope, no fancy equipment—just you, the stars, and a moment of awe.

Make a wish you

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