2 weeks Ago By USA TODAY
Stargazers might be able to catch a two-for-one celestial spectacle later this month. Both the Eta Aquarids and Lyrids meteor showers will be active at the same time, giving viewers in the Northern Hemisphere the opportunity to witness simultaneous meteor showers, as weather conditions allow. Fireballs from the Eta Aquarids and Lyrids are slated to streak through the sky at various intervals from April 20 through April 26, NASA reported.
While the meteor showers may not be quite as spectacular as the famous Perseids , observers may be able to see as many as 100 meteors per hour during the Lyrids peak on April 21 and 22. Both celestial events can be observed just before dawn and after moonset for the Lyrids during that timeframe. That being said, viewers should set up shop just before sunrise to guarantee maximum dazzle.
Other notable celestial events are also slated to occur throughout the month. Here's what to know about the cosmic overlap, including other notable celestial events happening in April. When will the joint meteor shower occur? Both celestial events overlap for six days, between April 20 and April 26, giving stargazers in the Northern Hemisphere the opportunity to see twice as many meteors in the sky.
The peak viewing window for the Lyrids meteor shower, active from April 17 to April 26, is April 21 and 22. The Eta Aquarids will be active from April 20 to May 21, with the peak expected on May 3 and 4. Stargazers should find an area "well away" from street or city lights and come prepared with a sleeping bag, blanket, or lawn chair to get the best view.
"Lie flat on your back with your feet facing east and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible. After about 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt, and you will begin to see meteors," according to NASA. "Be patient – the show will last until dawn, so you have plenty of time to catch a glimpse.
" Other celestial events slated for April The joint meteor shower won't be the only celestial spectacle this month. At least four other astronomical events – from a pink, full micromoon to a "celestial smiley face" alignment are expected to occur in the coming weeks. Here's a breakdown of April's celestial events: All the events will be visible in the evening sky, but where you'll need to look depends on where you are and, of course, the weather conditions.
A more detailed guide about April's celestial events can be found here. Contributing: Janet Loehrke , USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Eta Aquarids, Lyrids meteor showers to occur simultaneously this month.
