Peak April 22–23, 2027 · full Moon (~99% lit), strong interference · up to ~18/hr · medium-paced (49 km/s) · radiant in Lyra.
The Lyrids are the first strong shower after the long late-winter lull — a dependable spring display, recorded for over 2,600 years, known for the occasional bright fireball. They come from comet Thatcher (C/1861 G1). Sadly 2027 is a washout year for them: the Moon is essentially full at the peak, drowning all but the brightest meteors.
When it peaks in 2027 — and the Moon
The Lyrids peak in 2027 falls on the night of April 22–23, 2027. That night the Moon is a full Moon, around 99% lit — a bright near-full Moon that stays up for much of the night — so moonlight interference is strong. As every year, the Lyrids are best in the dark hours after midnight, when the radiant climbs high and the meteor rate builds toward dawn.
Where to look
The meteors radiate from near the brilliant star Vega in Lyra, which rises in the late evening and climbs high by dawn. Normally you'd watch after midnight facing a wide dark sky — but in 2027 the full Moon shares that sky all night.
What to expect
Around 18 meteors an hour at the peak in a dark year, occasionally with brief surges — but expect far fewer in 2027, when the full Moon is up all night. The Lyrids are fairly fast (49 km/s) and can still throw the odd bright fireball that punches through the moonlight, so it's not a total loss for the patient.
What to bring
The Lyrids are a naked-eye event — comfort matters more than optics.
- A reclining or zero-gravity chair — you'll be looking up for a while
- A red-light headlamp — preserves your night vision
- Warm layers, a hat and a blanket — you cool off fast lying still
- A hot drink and patience — give your eyes 20+ minutes to adapt
Frequently asked
When do the Lyrids peak in 2027?
The night of April 22–23, 2027, with the best rates in the hours before dawn once the radiant near Vega is high.
Will the Moon ruin the 2027 Lyrids?
Mostly, yes — the Moon is essentially full at the peak and up all night, so only the brightest Lyrids and fireballs will show through. 2027 is a poor year; the shower is far better in a dark one.
Are the Lyrids worth watching in a bright year?
For a casual look, only just — but the Lyrids are fireball-prone, and a bright fireball cuts through moonlight. If skies are clear, an hour before dawn can still turn up a few.
How old are the Lyrids?
They're among the oldest recorded showers — Chinese records of Lyrid outbursts go back to 687 BC. Their parent is the long-period comet Thatcher.
The full Lyrids guide · All meteor showers · Tonight's sky →