Lyrids Meteor Shower of April 2009
Besides the spectacular Quadrantids Meteor Shower that occurred in the first week of 2009, meteor shower activity for the first three months of the year is usually uneventful. April kicks off the second quarter of the year and also the start of better meteor shower viewing activity. The Lyrids meteor shower is the oldest documented meteor shower known to astronomers. An early reference to the Lyrids is the quote, “at night, fixed stars are invisible, at midnight, stars dropped down like rain” written during the Chou dynasty period in 687 B.C. by a Chinese observer. It wasn’t until 1861 that amateur astronomer and professor A.E. Thatcher discovered and named the source, the comet Thatcher. The Thatcher comet is an interesting celestial object that orbits our Sun once every 415 years and will not be visible from Earth until the year 2276. Despite this long orbital period the dust particles and meteoroids that remain in the orbital path of this comet create this annual meteor shower every April. The Lyrids meteor shower starts on April 16, 2009 and remains active until April 25. The peak activity date for this shower is in the morning of Wednesday April 22nd. There are more meteor shower fun facts in regards to the Lyrids of April 2009, so bookmark the site and stay tuned for more details.
on Apr 12th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
We just moved to Houston, TX, and we are very new at looking for meteors. Where would be a good place to look at the Lyrid shower that you mention?
Thanks.
Aron
on Apr 12th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Aron,
I’m in the process of editing my next article for the Lyrids Meteor Shower. I am putting it on the site later today. In the meantime check out the page on this site: Meteor Shower Viewing
My next post will have detailed information about where to look and when for the next meteor shower. Please bookmark the site and check back once in a while, there are showers pretty much every month from now until the end of the year.
- Meteor Mark
on Apr 14th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
I just saw (appox. 9:10 PM) an apparent meteor in the SW that left a tail of perhaps a good two hand spans lasting for about 1 to two seconds. It appeared to have a VERY slight burst before suddenly ending in what appeared to be low horizon. Certainly the brightest shooting star I have seen although I have seen only a few.
on Apr 14th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Perry,
Sounds like an awesome sight! What you saw sounds like a “bolide.” Check out our glossary on the site for a definition,
Thanks for the comment.
- Meteor Mark
on Apr 15th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Perry,
I saw an incredibly bright green meteor at 9:05 PM CDT in the north sky in Lawrence, KS. It was so bright at first I thought it was a flare.
on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 1:31 am
I just saw what appeared to be more of a fireball then a meteor. It was bright orange in color and had a spectacular tail. Not sure what it was but it was amazing. It is just after 130am here in East Moline, Il and I will try to go out for more veiwing a little later and more towards dawn when the bigger show should begin according to all reports.
on Apr 23rd, 2009 at 1:36 am
Marian,
Thanks for the comment. Sounds spectacular.
I think you’re mistaken, the Lyrids meteor shower peaked almost 21 hours ago at approximately 11:00 Universal Time on April 22.
However, there is still activity from this shower happening until April 25th but it won’t be as heavy.
- Meteor Mark
on Apr 24th, 2009 at 7:31 am
Im a 16 yr old girl from baguio city.
I have seen also the meteor shower! And its cool and great!
When will be the next meteor shower? From your blog. You tell
us that it would be May 1st or sooner. But what time? Would it be the same us 1 am till 2 am?
Can u give us a specific time.
thanks!
-Mary Ann
on Apr 24th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Mary Ann,
Thanks for your comment. I said I would posting my next article on or before May 1st so bookmark the site.
- Meteor Mark
on Apr 26th, 2009 at 1:36 am
I live 13 mi east of Flagstaff, Arizona and just saw what may have been a falling meteor, seemingly pretty close, maybe 5 – 10 miles away, farther east (towards Winona). Happened at 11:05 pm Arizona time (PDT). My descriptive abilities are a bit lacking but here goes – it fell almost straight down from low in the sky, flaring bluish-white, disappearing just before the horizon. Does that sound like one? I see them occasionally this time at night, but never so close and so bright.
Love your blog – thanks!
on Apr 26th, 2009 at 1:49 am
Peggy,
Your description is great, thank you! Sounds like a fireball, check the glossary in the upper right. You may also want to use the search feature on this site and search for “colors” there are a few reasons why meteors/fireballs are sometimes vivid colors. Occasionally meteors do hit Earth and become meteorites, if you didn’t here a sound, than it was probably about 50-60 miles high in the atmosphere when it burned up. I know from experience too, that sometimes they just seem so close. I will keep on the look out for any information. Sometimes other people find this site and post their meteor sightings too.
Bookmark the site in a few days I will be posting a new article about a great May Meteor Shower!
I am glad you enjoyed the blog, I love it too.
Keep your head up and thank you for the comment.
- Meteor Mark
on Apr 26th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
When will be the next meteor shower for Jonesboro,Arkansas? I’ve been dying to see one!! I need to know the time AND date!! Thanks,much love,
LOU ANN.
on Apr 26th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Hi, I need to know the time an date for the next metor shower for Jonesboro, Arkansas.
THANKS–
LOU ANN.
on Apr 26th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Lou Ann,
Forgive me, but have you read my latest blog post? Next Meteor Shower May Come Soon
- Meteor Mark
on Apr 27th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
I was driving on NM HWY 491, north of Gallup NM and saw what may have been a falling meteor. this occured at 11:45 pm (MST). It light the area with white light, fell almost straight down from low in the sky, flaring green-white, disappearing just before the horizon. I’ve never one so close and so bright, a little frightening but so cool! where can i learn a little more about this??
THANKS!
on Apr 27th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Renae,
What exactly do you want to know? Maybe I can help. I have heard about this event and some knowledge too.
- Meteor Mark
on Apr 28th, 2009 at 9:59 am
Hi– Wondered if the event (mentioned in #15) was a common occurence and if the event can occur in the same location a span of time (weeks/months).
on Apr 28th, 2009 at 11:57 am
Renae,
After doing some research, I believe what you saw was a huge fireball, this is an uncommon event. Scientists are close to being able to predict these events, but it is not exact. Some of these objects are moving at 80,000 mph or faster, so by the time they are discovered, they are minutes from “burning” in the atmosphere.
For some, what you may have witnessed is a “once in a lifetime” experience!
Meteor showers do occur generally the same time of year. Have you had a look at the glossary on this site?
You can also read my latest post for a meteor shower occuring soon. The glossary and posts are located in the upper right hand corner.
Bookmark the site and check in once in a while, I will do my best to update everyone on meteor related events.
Keep your head up!
- Meteor Mark
on Apr 28th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
THANKS! i’ll check-in for future updates!
on Apr 28th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Renae,
May is just the beginning of some good meteor activity this year!
- Meteor Mark