Lyrids Meteor Shower 2022 Bristol: when is it, what time can I see shooting stars - and weather forecast

There has not been a meteor shower visible in the UK since the second night of 2022 - but the wait is almost over
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Attention starlovers and stargazers across Bristol and its surrounding areas, the jaw-dropping sight of the annual Lyrids meteor shower is nearly upon us.

Shooting stars flying beautifully through the sky can be a spine-tingling event that everyone should witness - now you can catch yourself a glimpse.

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Here is everything you need to know about the Lyrids meteor shower, such as when is the best time to see it and what the weather will be like in Bristol and across the South West

When is the Lyrids meteor shower?

The Lyrids meteor shower has already started, with first sightings stemming back to 14 April and is set to last until 30 April.

However, we are entering a period of time that will have the best chance of visibility, so experts are predicting 22 April and 23 April will be its peak in terms of brightness.

On these days, it is expected that you should be able to see 18 meteors per hour.

What is the Lyrids meteor shower?

The Leonid meteor shower is expected to be visible above skies in Britain on Wednesday night (Photo by Navicore)The Leonid meteor shower is expected to be visible above skies in Britain on Wednesday night (Photo by Navicore)
The Leonid meteor shower is expected to be visible above skies in Britain on Wednesday night (Photo by Navicore)
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The Lyrids meteor shower takes place at around the same time every year, and while it isn’t the most impressive, it is incredibly reliable.

It is named after the Lyra star constellation, which is the star it is believed to have come from.

Many have the idea that the meteors are eloquently beautiful shooting stars pinging across the sky, but in fact they are debris from the Thatcher Comet.

The Thatcher Comet, founded in 1861, is expected to return for a sighting in the year 2276 after a 415-year orbital period.

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It is widely considered to be one of the oldest meteor showers having been first observed in ancient China in 687BC.

The shower occurs when the lyrids pass through the trails of Thatcher Comet debris and is known for its bright displays and strong surges.

What is the best time to see the Lyrids meteor shower?

The Greenwich Royal Observatory has confirmed that the best time to bask in the sight of the Lyrid meteor shower in the UK is during the early morning hours of each of the two peak days.

They advise those who wish to see it to wait until at least after midnight, as that is the best chance of good visibility.

How can I watch the Lyrids meteor shower?

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Stargazers, keep your hands out of your wallets as there is no need to invest in any fancy equipment such as a telescope in order to catch a glimpse of the Lyrids meteor shower in 2022.

This is because it is visible to the naked eye.

At its peak (22-23 April), the chance that you have in order to see the show hinges on the weather conditions in your region, as well as other factors such as light pollution and moonlight.

What is the weather going to be like in Bristol?

Will the weather be good and clear enough to see the Lyrids meteor shower in Bristol?

Weather experts Met Office has issued the following statement regarding the weather forecast for Thursday, 21 April and Friday, 22 April across the South West of England:

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“Cloud spreading across the region through the morning, though some bright spells possible in the afternoon,” it reads.

“Scattered, mainly light, showers developing. Feeling cool if exposed to the brisk easterly wind. Maximum temperature 16 °C”

Here are the daily forecast for the peak days of the Lyrids meteor shower in Bristol:

Thursday, 22 April

9 pm to midnight - clear skies and dry conditions, good visibility(13- 11℃)

12 am to 7 am - clear skies and dry conditions, good to very good visibility (11-7℃)

6 am onwards - cloudy skies for the rest of the day, low visibility

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