Look up and be dumbstruck with wonder: the Lyrid meteor shower will grace the skies this month.
Records of this celestial shower date back 2,700 years. Citizens of ancient China may have been speaking of the Lyrid shower when they witnessed meteors “falling like rain” back in 687 BCE.
This cosmic phenomenon is named for the nearby constellation Lyra, itself a reference to the lyre carried by Orpheus, the most tragic widower/troubadour in the long, bloody litany of Greek mythology.
The Lyrid shower is composed of debris from the Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, named for A. E. Thatcher, who discovered it in 1861.
Researchers speculate the comet will take about 415 years to complete a full orbit.
In the meantime, the Lyrid meteor shower is said to “outburst” or produce a shocking number of meteors every 60 years. The next Lyrid burst is due in 2042.
Though 2025 is not an outburst year (at least not literally), April’s showers will still add up to a hell of a sky show.
When does the Lyrid meteor shower start?
The Lyrid meteor has peaked in late April for thousands of years. It begins in little bursts on the eve of April 16 and peaks in visibility next week.
What is the best viewing time for the Lyrid meteor shower?
The dazzling display will peak on April 21 and April 22 but will be visible through April 29.
What is a meteor?
Meteors are born from comet particles and asteroid debris. When this glorious detritus travels around the sun, it leaves a trail behind.
When Earth passes through these trails, the bits of space dust collide with our atmosphere and burn themselves up, and their disintegration creates streams of color and fire in the sky.
Where to see the Lyrid meteor shower / Lyrid meteor shower 2025
The sky show will be visible from most points on Earth.
Denizens of the Northern Hemisphere will be afforded the finest view. This year, because the radiant rises before midnight, peak visibility will be before the fat crescent moon rises after midnight.
Stargazers should aim to find a spot away from city lights or street lights and allow their eyes to adjust to the darkness for about 30 minutes.
How many meteors should you expect to see?
At times, the Lyrids can wow viewers with up to 100 meteors per hour, but on average, the shower kicks out 10 to 20 meteors per hour.
The meteors don’t streak across the sky but produce an occasional bright flash called a fireball.
Astrology of the Lyrid meteor shower
Neda Farr, a resident astrologer at the dating app Flirtini and founder of astrology app Starcrossed, says the Lyrid shower creates favorable conditions for redefining desire, especially as, come April 19, the sun moves into tactile Taurus, amplifying the need for physical intimacy.
“In short? Prepare for fireworks — above and within, as the planetary lineup sparks emotionally charged, fast-burning connections,” Farr cautions.
She notes that some zodiac signs will feel the burn more intensely than others.
Water signs: Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces
Farr tells The Post that water signs will be activated by Mars’ movement through Cancer, amplifying both emotions and sexual energy.
“Cancers will become more protective — bordering on possessive — as they seek reassurance. Meanwhile, Scorpios and Pisces could find themselves amid a romantic awakening. For these signs, it’s essential to embrace the moment and be honest about your needs and desires.”
She notes that under the streaked skies of the Lyrid shower, water signs should explore the kind of bare intimacy born of true vulnerability.
“Powerful waves of passion clash with heightened sensitivity to rejection or distance — but trust your intuition, lower your guard and speak your truth. Don’t let fear hold you back from pursuing the closeness you crave.”
Gemini and Sagittarius
For this mutable axis, Farr predicts hot burning and quick fizzling romances.
She urges archers and the people of the twin to buy the ticket and enjoy the ride — however brief it may be.
“Expect the unexpected: unforeseen messages, spontaneous meetups and exciting opportunities for connection. It’s a moment to enjoy the adventure, embrace the thrill of something new, and let your heart explore. Say yes, be bold and flirt back — but remember that not every spark burns forever.”
Earth signs: Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn
Farr predicts that security-seeking earth signs may be rocked by the bright, disruptive influence of the Lyrid shower:
“Sudden flashes of clarity may shake the foundations of your steady but stagnant relationships. While the Taurus sun supports your practical approach to love, the Lyrids will stir the pot, prompting you to reassess everything you’ve built,” she says.
“Is your relationship solid, or are you just settling for stability? The planets’ message to Earth signs is clear: Don’t resist the unexpected; explore it.”
Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports back on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.
