Exact time to see tonight's 'fireball' meteor shower with dazzling shooting stars
Meteor showers are a common occurrence throughout the year, but few promise to be as mesmerising as this beautiful display that only appears in the month of April.
On an average clear enough night at any time of the year and without any light pollution, you might see a shooting star across the sky, but at this precise time of this month, there are more overhead than usual.
Known as the Lyrid meteor showe r, it runs from April 16 and lasts until April 25, but there is a peak time to catch it.
Also nicknamed 'Lyrid fireballs', there is a chance to see up to an incredible 18 meteors per hour at the peak.
"With the Lyrids you'll be looking for a little flurry of short-lived streaks of light – what you might popularly call shooting stars," explained Dr Robert Massey, deputy executive director at the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS).
The Lyrids have been observed and reported since 687 BC – and no other modern shower has been recorded as far back in time.
"We think they're the earliest meteor shower ever seen by humans – more than 2,700 years ago, right back in the 7th century BC," Dr Massey added.
What is the Lyrid meteor shower?
It's an annual event that takes place each April, falling on the same dates each year, and we're about to hit the best times.
The radiant of the meteor shower is located in the constellation Lyra, near its brightest star, Vega, hence it's unusual naming.
How can you watch the Lyrid meteor shower?
The meteor shower will technically be visible across the UK now, though to see this phenomenon you'll need clear skies.
More importantly, you will need to position yourself far away from light pollution. Any artificial light will dilute the stars in the sky.
The shower will officially peak just before dawn on April 24 - between about 3-5am - so set your alarms, wrap up and head outside somewhere remote to catch the intergalactic show. Luckily, you won't need a telescope either - it's all visible with the naked eye.
What exactly is a meteor shower?
A meteor shower is when the Earth passes through the debris stream of a comet - icy, rocky bodies left over from the formation of the solar system. When this happens, the bits of comet debris, most no larger than a grain of sand, create streaks of light in the night sky as they burn up in Earth's atmosphere, creating multiple meteors racing across the sky at, or near, the same time.
Interestingly, despite sometimes being called shooting stars, they're not actually stars and can range in size from anything larger than a marble.
This size allows them to produce a fireball as the enter the atmosphere, giving them their bright look as mis-titled name of shooting stars.
If you're a keen stargazer, then don't miss these other dazzling sky events -
Lyrids (Apr 17-26)
Eta Aquariids (Apr 19-May 28)
Alpha Capricornids (Jul 3-Aug 15)
Delta Aquariids (Jul 12-Aug 23)
Perseids (Jul 17-Aug 24)
Draconids (Oct 6-10)
Orionids (Oct 2-Nov 7)
Taurids (Oct 20-Dec 10)
Leonids (Nov 6-30)
Geminids (Dec 4-20)
Ursids (Dec 17-26)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
29-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Extinct creature found INSIDE ‘magical' Ancient Roman amulet lost for 2,000 years in ‘world first' discovery
The researchers say the interest from ancient Romans was possibly rooted in the belief that these specimens carried magical or protective powers A LONG extinct creature has been found inside a 2,000-year-old amulet that ancient Romans may have believed held magic powers, according to a new study. The mysterious marine creature, a trilobite, went extinct more than 250million years ago. 5 The fossil, now a common collector's item, showed clear signs of modifications that suggest it was made to be worn as a pendant or bracelet, according to researchers Credit: Archaeol Anthropol Sci (2025) 5 The small creatures would scavenge at the bottom of the ocean Credit: iStock - Getty It is the first time archaeologists have found a trilobite that was manipulated during Roman times, the study, published in the Springer Nature journal. And it is only the third on record believed to have been deliberately collected by humans over a thousand years ago. The fossil, now a common collector's item, showed clear signs of modifications that suggest it was made to be worn as a pendant or bracelet, according to researchers. While the researchers did not find any holes or piercings in the fossil, they believe it was likely embedded in metal like gold or silver. Microscopic examination and high-contrast photographs of the fossil reveal human-made modifications, including seven artificial facets on the left and underside. These changes were used to flatten the fossil for use within a pendant or bracelet, the researchers said. 5 The fossil was found at the Roman settlement of A Cibdá de Armea in northwestern Spain Credit: Archaeol Anthropol Sci (2025) The fossil, found at the Roman settlement of A Cibdá de Armea in northwestern Spain, had been preserved in a natural cast mineralised with iron oxide, giving it a reddish hue. Trilobite fossils are frequently found in this way, and the colouring may have even made it appear more desirable as jewellery. After examining the weathering of the fossil, the researchers said the specimen was similar to fossils from the southern Central Iberian Zone, located approximately 430km from the discovery site. Weirdest fossil ever the 'Beelze-frog' was giant dog-sized toad that ate baby dinosaurs & had bite as strong as a Tiger The significant distance between the two places suggests ancient Romans intentionally transported these mysterious fossils for a purpose. The researchers say the interest from ancient Romans was possibly rooted in the belief that these specimens carried magical or protective powers. Trilobites are one of the earliest groups of arthropods to appear in the fossil record, and scuttled across ocean floors for almost 270million years. Among more than 22,000 species of trilobites, the researchers identified this ancient specimen as Colpocoryphe sp. It was unearthed alongside a bronze coin adorned with the face of Emperor Augustus, the first Roman Emperor who reigned from 27 BC until his death in 14 AD. According to the ancient historian Suetonius, Augustus was an avid collector of fossils. The Roman Emperor would import them from Greece, as well as personally excavate them on the island of Capri which had developed into a private resort. Augustus is credited with creating one of the first known paleontological museums at his villa, displaying the bones of long-lost creatures now understood to be fossils. 5 Among more than 22,000 species of trilobites, the researchers identified this ancient specimen as Colpocoryphe sp Credit: Archaeol Anthropol Sci (2025) 5 Trilobites are one of the earliest groups of arthropods to appear in the fossil record, and scuttled across ocean floors for almost 270million years Credit: SWNS:South West News Service
The Sun
29-07-2025
- The Sun
Extinct creature found INSIDE ‘magical' Ancient Roman amulet lost for 2,000 years in ‘world first' discovery
A LONG extinct creature has been found inside a 2,000-year-old amulet that ancient Romans may have believed held magic powers, according to a new study. The mysterious marine creature, a trilobite, went extinct more than 250million years ago. 5 5 It is the first time archaeologists have found a trilobite that was manipulated during Roman times, the study, published in the Springer Nature journal. And it is only the third on record believed to have been deliberately collected by humans over a thousand years ago. The fossil, now a common collector's item, showed clear signs of modifications that suggest it was made to be worn as a pendant or bracelet, according to researchers. While the researchers did not find any holes or piercings in the fossil, they believe it was likely embedded in metal like gold or silver. Microscopic examination and high-contrast photographs of the fossil reveal human-made modifications, including seven artificial facets on the left and underside. These changes were used to flatten the fossil for use within a pendant or bracelet, the researchers said. The fossil, found at the Roman settlement of A Cibdá de Armea in northwestern Spain, had been preserved in a natural cast mineralised with iron oxide, giving it a reddish hue. Trilobite fossils are frequently found in this way, and the colouring may have even made it appear more desirable as jewellery. After examining the weathering of the fossil, the researchers said the specimen was similar to fossils from the southern Central Iberian Zone, located approximately 430km from the discovery site. Weirdest fossil ever the 'Beelze-frog' was giant dog-sized toad that ate baby dinosaurs & had bite as strong as a Tiger The significant distance between the two places suggests ancient Romans intentionally transported these mysterious fossils for a purpose. The researchers say the interest from ancient Romans was possibly rooted in the belief that these specimens carried magical or protective powers. Trilobites are one of the earliest groups of arthropods to appear in the fossil record, and scuttled across ocean floors for almost 270million years. Among more than 22,000 species of trilobites, the researchers identified this ancient specimen as Colpocoryphe sp. It was unearthed alongside a bronze coin adorned with the face of Emperor Augustus, the first Roman Emperor who reigned from 27 BC until his death in 14 AD. According to the ancient historian Suetonius, Augustus was an avid collector of fossils. The Roman Emperor would import them from Greece, as well as personally excavate them on the island of Capri which had developed into a private resort. Augustus is credited with creating one of the first known paleontological museums at his villa, displaying the bones of long-lost creatures now understood to be fossils. 5 5 A brief history of the Roman Empire Here's what you need to know... The Roman Empire began shortly after the founding of the Roman Republic in the 6th century BC It reigned for around a thousand years until the fall of the last Western emperor in 476 AD During this time, the Romans ruled over many countries in Europe and parts of Africa and the Middle East At its height, 90 million people lived in the Roman Empire It evolved from a monarchy to a democratic republic to a military dictatorship and then was finally ruled by emperors One of the most well-known Roman leaders is Julius Caesar, famously assassinated in 44BC He is largely credited for his military mind and laying the foundations for the Roman Empire The spread of the Roman Empire into Britain in around 55 BC has had a lasting impact on our lives today Latin, straight roads, underfloor heating and the spread of Christianity are all attributed to the Romans
Scottish Sun
25-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Disturbing Ancient Egyptian graves reveal brutal treatment of corpses 5,000 years ago including shock teen girl's burial
The girl's body was carefully aligned with the setting sun on the winter solstice, while her coffin also pointed towards the rising of Sirius, the brightest star in the sky Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ARCHAEOLOGISTS have uncovered a disturbing Ancient Egyptian burial practice that saw people dismembered before being put to rest. The discovery offers a rare insight into the spiritual life of villagers more than 5,000 years ago - and may even mark the beginning of religion for the ancient pharaohs. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, researchers analysed patterns among more than 900 tombs across the 74-acre Adaiima site Credit: Alcouffe, A., Duchesne, S., Tupikova, I. et al./ Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory Researchers found the remains of a teenage girl whose arm had been deliberately severed after her death and positioned to match her left arm. The girl's left arm was bent unnaturally in a more than 90degree angle and tucked in very tightly. The limb was removed near the lower part of the upper arm and forearm, possibly done using an axe. The muscles were most likely sliced with a flint blade, according to researchers. Her severed arm was carefully arranged to appear almost intact, with the hand placed beside the forearm. Buried in the Adaiima cemetery on the west bank of the Nile river, the remains date back to between 3300 to 2700 BC. The girl's body was carefully aligned with the setting sun on the winter solstice, while her coffin also pointed towards the rising of Sirius, the brightest star in the sky. Celestial alignments, and other symbolic gestures, likely influenced the religious traditions later embraced by Egypt's first pharaohs who emerged between 100 and 400 years later. 3 Buried in the Adaiima cemetery on the west bank of the Nile river, the remains date back to between 3300 to 2700 BC Credit: Getty Her burial may also be the earliest sign of the Osiris and Isis myth - where the goddess Isis reassembles the dismembered body of Osiris beneath the rising Sirius. The tale is thought to symbolise death, rebirth, and cosmic order. Ancient Egyptian Tombs: Over a Thousand Mummies Unveiled The cemetery her remains were found in is one of Egypt's oldest and most thoroughly studied, and paints a detailed picture about how funerary practices changed over time. Using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, researchers analysed patterns among more than 900 tombs across the 74-acre Adaiima site. Another coffin that was positioned to catch the winter sun contained a woman buried with ornate jewelry and pottery. A third grave, also belonging to a woman, faced the summer sunset and contained a ceremonial staff and plant-fiber wig. The study suggests these early burials shaped the mythology later adopted by Egypt's ruling elite - from their sky-based alignments to their ritual gestures, such as dismemberment. Older graves were placed around earlier, astronomically-aligned tombs, suggesting those burials held continued to hold religious or ancestral significance over the years. Ivory boat models and fine coffins were found with remains researchers believed once belonged to individuals of higher status or spiritual importance. Similar to the dismemberment, a singular bone belonging to a child was found placed on the chest of an adult in a later tomb. In the myth of Osiris, Isis gathers the scattered body parts of her murdered husband after he is slain by his jealous brother, Set. "Sepdet, which we know as Sirius, was believed to be the appearance of Isis in the sky," the study said. "When the state emerged, it did not create religion from scratch. "It absorbed long-standing practices and reworked them into royal narratives."
