Night owls and early risers across Indiana will have the rare chance to witness one of the oldest and most reliable meteor showers in human history—the Lyrids—as it reaches its peak tonight.

Streaking across the early morning darkness, these meteors are expected to light up the skies with 10 to 20 visible streaks per hour, peaking in intensity between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. on Tuesday, according to the American Meteor Society.

What Are the Lyrids?

The Lyrids aren’t the flashiest show of the year, but they are among the most historic—first recorded in 687 BC by Chinese astronomers. Originating from debris left behind by the comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, the Lyrids return every April like clockwork.

Unlike the more famous Perseids or Geminids, the Lyrids tend to be more modest in scale. But what they lack in quantity, they often make up for in brilliance. On rare occasions, the shower has produced outbursts of up to 100 meteors per hour, though such events are unpredictable.

When and Where to Watch in Indiana

If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse, timing and location are everything.

Peak viewing window:
Between 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM Tuesday morning (April 23)

Best viewing tips:

• Direction: Look toward the east/northeast.

• Location: Head somewhere dark—away from city lights and streetlamps.

• Preparation: Give your eyes 30 minutes to adjust to the dark.

• Optional gear: Telescopes or binoculars can help, though not required.

Weather forecasts for parts of Indiana—including Fort Wayne—suggest mostly clear skies, making conditions relatively favorable for viewing.

The Science Behind the Streaks

The meteors you’ll see tonight are tiny bits of debris, often no larger than a grain of sand. As Earth crosses the path of Comet Thatcher, these particles collide with our atmosphere at speeds exceeding 100,000 miles per hour, producing the bright flashes known as meteors.

Each streak lasts just a moment—but they often leave a glowing trail in their wake, especially the Lyrids, which are known for their luminous, long-lasting trails.

More to Come This Week

While the Lyrids reach their zenith early Tuesday morning, they’ll remain active through Friday, April 25.

So even if you miss tonight’s show, you might still catch a rogue meteor or two in the pre-dawn hours later this week.

A Meteor Shower Worth Staying Up For

The Lyrids may not be the boldest display of celestial fireworks, but their legacy and mystique have captivated stargazers for millennia. There’s something humbling—and thrilling—about watching the same meteor shower seen by ancient civilizations unfold in our skies.

For those who make the effort to look up in the early hours, the reward is a moment of connection with the universe—and a fleeting, fiery glimpse of cosmic history.