Background colour

PREVIEW

Image

AssetID: 34087171

Headline: Lyrids Meteor Shower and the Core of the Milky Way 16 - 25 April peak 22 April

Caption: Lyrids Meteor Shower and the Core of the Milky Way 16 - 25 April peak 22 April The Lyrids meteor show is visible from 16 -25 April with a peak on Sunday 22nd April. A small waxing crescent moon gives good viewing conditions and allows meteors to be seen. The expected rate is approximately 20 meteors per hour, which is quite low for a meteor show, but there are some larger “fireball” meteors which are spectacular to see. The meteors are the remains of the C/1861 G1 Thatcher comet, first discovered in 1861 and the meteors will appear from the Lyra constellation (known as the radiant). The dark sky also allow views into the Core of the Milky Way, which adds to the interest of the images. The core is visible in the UK from March through to September and is best seen around the time of the new moon. Stairway to Heaven, the stairs lead down to Orcombe Rocks, the bright star top right in 006 is Sirius, which is the brightest star in the Earth's night sky.

Keywords:

PersonInImage: Milky Way Core