Lyrid Meteor Shower 2026: Best Dawn Hours to Catch Shooting Stars

In 2026 the Lyrid meteor shower runs April 16–25, with peak activity around 4 p.m. EDT (2000 GMT) on April 22; the best viewing for U.S. observers is in the pre-dawn hours of April 22, when up to about 18 meteors per hour radiate from near Vega in Lyra. A 27%-lit waxing moon sets around 2 a.m., dark skies will help; to maximize your chances, head away from city lights, give 20–30 minutes for night adaptation, use red light, avoid binoculars, and look toward the radiant (near Vega) after moonset.