Danes can look forward to a spectacular sight in the night sky when the Lyrid meteor shower reaches its peak on Monday night. According to astrophysicist Peter Laursen from the Cosmic Dawn Center, there will be a chance to observe between 15 and 20 shooting stars per hour. The Lyrids, one of the oldest known meteor showers, are observed every year in April when Earth passes through dust left behind by the comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher. It is this dust that burns up in Earth’s atmosphere and creates the luminous trails in the sky that we know as shooting stars.
Peter Laursen explains that the best time to observe the Lyrids will be late at night when the moon is least luminous, and the sky is darkest. “It’s a good idea to find a place far from the city’s light pollution and allow your eyes time to adjust to the darkness,” he advises. For those planning to watch the meteor shower, it is recommended to dress warmly and bring binoculars, although the shooting stars can also be seen with the naked eye.
This natural phenomenon is not only a visual experience but also a reminder of the wonders of the universe and Earth’s place in the cosmos. Remember to look up towards the sky on Monday night and witness one of nature’s own fireworks.