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Celestial enthusiasts and star gazers – this one’s for you. Another astronomical spectacle is taking place right now in the skies above Sydney, just two weeks after the pink micromoon lit up our skies. Flying through the sky at lightning speed, the annual Lyrid meteor shower happens around the world from mid-to-late April each year. In Australia, it will peak between Wednesday April 22 and Thursday April 23, with roughly 15 shooting stars streaking across the atmosphere per hour. Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 Lyrid meteor shower.
When is the Lyrid meteor shower visible from NSW?
The Lyrid meteor shower is visible for around two weeks every April. In 2026, the Lyrids will be at their most active between April 16 to 25, expected to peak just after midnight on April 22 or in the very early hours of the morning on April 23. Until April 25, you can expect to witness up to 20 shooting stars per hour above NSW, with sporadic flashes of light visible at night throughout the two-week period. This handy interactive map will tell you exactly when to look up based on your location in Australia.
What is the Lyrid meteor shower?
Lyrids are one of the world’s oldest meteor showers, with their origins tracing back more than 2,500 years in Chinese texts. The celestial spectacle is created when the Earth makes its annual journey through the dust trail left by comet Thatcher (C/1861 G1). When the small chunks of debris collide with our atmosphere, they disintegrate, forming fiery streaks in the sky that look like shooting stars when viewed from Earth.
How can I watch the Lyrid meteor shower from Sydney?
The beauty of this celestial illumination is that you don’t need any fancy equipment or insider astronomical knowledge to see it. Of course, the number one thing we can hope for is clear skies, and we’d also suggest finding a place far away from artificial city lights.
Remember to give your eyes enough time (around 30 minutes) to adjust to the darkness. Yes, that means no peeping at your phones. Also, bear in mind that Lyrid meteors move relatively fast, so be strategic with when you blink.
When is the next Lyrid meteor shower?
While comet Thatcher takes 415.5 years to orbit the sun, the Lyrid meteor shower graces our skies in April every year. So, you won’t have to wait long for the next one.
Want the best chance of catching a glimpse from Sydney? These are the best star-gazing sites in the city.