(meteorobs) Viewing the Lyrid Meteor Shower in 2011

[lunro.imo.usa at cox.net]

According to the International Meteor Organization the Lyrids "should peak between about 15h30m UT on April 22 to 02h30m UT on April 23 (and will probably give better rates the closer the maximum falls to 23h UT on the 22nd)". The eastern hemisphere is favored by these times. For those viewing from North America the nights of April 21/22 and 22/23 should offer the best rates, depending on the exact time of maximum activity. . Unfortunately for all, the waning gibbous moon will strongly interfere with observing the Lyrids this year. In a year without moonlight and watching near maximum, the Lyrids can offer 10-15 meteors per hour. This year with the lunar interference, likely rates would more likely be 5-10 per hour. From the unfavorable longitudes of North America, rates near 5 per hour can be expected. The Lyrids are weak away from maximum so rates away from the nights of maximum activity will only be 1-2 per hour. 

No matter you location the Lyrids are best viewed after midnight when the radiant has achieved sufficient altitude. Northern latitudes are favored for this display as the radiant will lie higher in the sky. From the southern hemisphere the Lyrid radiant follows a low arc in the northern sky, further reducing the number of meteors seen. The radiant actually lies within the boundaries of the constellation of Hercules, 7 degrees southwest of the brilliant zero magnitude blue-white star Vega (Alpha Lyrae).  

When viewing Lyrid activity this year, face in a direction opposite the moon. There is no need to have the radiant within your field of view but you should know in what direction it lies in order to help with shower association. Lyrid meteors are usually medium-fast with a small percentage possessing persistent trains. Lyrid fireballs are possible but rare due to the low number of meteors seen.

Not all meteors seen will be Lyrids. Some of the activity will be random (sporadic). A few slow (1-2 per hour) Antihelion meteors may also be seen coming from the constellation of Libra. It certainly helps to try and and associate each meteor with its proper origin. Recording the time of each meteor makes your data much more valuable. Other parameters that can be recorded are peak magnitude, velocity, color, and whether it produced a persistent train. If ground objects or clouds block your view, be sure to note this in your observations. 

If you hold an observing session be sure to share your data with the rest of the readers of meteorobs. The Lyrids will be a good tuneup to the more active Eta Aquariids, which are free of moonlight next month.

Clear Skies!
Robert Lunsford