Lyrid meteor shower peak approaches: How to watch it in the Upstate, peak viewing times
The stars won't be the only celestial objects sparkling across the night skies in late April.
A medium strength meteor shower known as the Lyrids will soon rain down in the Northern Hemisphere.
And the most exciting part is that South Carolinians will be able to see it.
Here's more to know about the meteor shower and peak times for viewing.
The Lyrids are one of the "oldest known meteor showers" that have been observed for 2,700 years, according to NASA Science. The Chinese were the first to keep record of the Lyrid sighting, dating to 687 BC.
"The Lyrids are known for their fast and bright meteors. Though not as fast or plentiful as the famous Perseids in August, Lyrids can surprise watchers with as many as 100 meteors seen per hour," said NASA Science.
Lyrids don't usually leave a trail of "glowing dust trains" behind them as they travel across the Earth's atmosphere, but S.C. residents will still be able to catch glimpse of a "fireball," a bright flash produced by the shower.
The Lyrids will peak in the Upstate on April 21-22 (Spartanburg), per Date and Time. During this time, there will be up to 18 meteors per hour.
Like most meteor showers, the Lyrids can be seen best when the radiant (where the meteors appear to start) is highest just before dawn, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. To see the most meteors, you should try viewing the meteor shower between midnight and dawn. The Almanac also recommends looking straight above you in the sky (the zenith) as your starter point. You will not need binoculars or any other equipment for viewing.
"In fact, binoculars do not work well for meteor showers." said the Almanac. "The naked eye is your best tool!"
Other tips the Almanac suggests are to be in a dark place void of lights and obstructions such as trees or tall buildings. You should also find a spot that offers a wide view of the sky. Overall, the best viewing of the Lyrids will be weather dependent, with clear skies optimal for sky gazing.
Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: What is the Lyrid meteor shower? Peak times to view it in Upstate SC
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The medium continues to evolve with the rise of streaming services and on-demand viewing, offering audiences a wealth of content anytime, anywhere. Additional Insights: Broadcasting: Revolutionized mass communication by reaching large audiences at once. Cultural Impact: Influenced everything from music to politics on a global scale. Technological Innovation: Shift to digital and high-definition improved quality and accessibility. Global Connectivity: Networks and streaming platforms bring international events to viewers worldwide. Future of TV: On-demand and interactive features are redefining the viewing experience. 11. The Refrigerator (1834) The refrigerator changed how people preserved and stored food, improving public health by preventing spoilage and reducing foodborne illnesses. Before refrigeration, methods like salting and drying were common but inefficient. By enabling long-term storage, the refrigerator revolutionized the food industry, making mass production and distribution of perishable goods possible. It's now a kitchen staple worldwide. Additional Insights: Food Safety: Maintains safe temperatures to prevent bacterial growth. Energy Efficiency: Modern designs focus on reducing electricity consumption. Environmental Impact: Early models used harmful chemicals; newer units use more eco-friendly refrigerants. Global Distribution: Essential for international trade in perishable items. Smart Technology: Some modern refrigerators come with connectivity features for better inventory management. 12. The Light Bulb (1879) Invented by Thomas Edison in 1879, the practical light bulb changed how people lived by providing a reliable source of artificial light. It extended productive hours beyond daylight, boosted nighttime safety, and influenced the layout of modern cities. The light bulb also led to the establishment of electrical grids powering homes and businesses. Contemporary designs like LEDs have made lighting more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Additional Insights: Early Developments: Edison and other inventors like Joseph Swan made key breakthroughs. Cultural Impact: Allowed activities to continue past sunset and enhanced public safety. Energy Efficiency: LEDs and CFLs are reducing global energy usage. Worldwide Adoption: Became a universal standard in households and commercial spaces. Environmental Impact: Ongoing push for sustainable lighting to cut electricity consumption. 13. The Automobile (1885) Invented by Karl Benz in 1885, the automobile revolutionized transportation, allowing personal mobility on an unprecedented scale. People could travel long distances rapidly, reshaping urban design and fueling suburban growth. 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Photography has greatly impacted art, journalism, and personal expression, enabling people to preserve and share moments in real time. Additional Insights: First Photograph: Taken by Niépce in 1826, marking the birth of modern photography. Cultural Impact: Influenced visual art, media, and public perception. Technological Progress: Digital cameras and smartphone integration have made photography ubiquitous. Social Media: Photos are at the heart of social platforms, fostering global visual storytelling. Historical Documentation: Cameras have captured landmark events, shaping our collective memory. Conclusion on Key Inventions These 15 inventions have fundamentally shaped human civilization, influencing everything from how we communicate and travel to how we work and live. Each marks a leap forward in human ingenuity that addressed critical needs and created opportunities for continued progress. Their impact reverberates in modern industries, improving the quality of life for countless people around the world. As we look to the future, these foundational innovations serve as a springboard for even more groundbreaking developments. The spirit of creativity and the relentless drive to overcome global challenges will fuel progress, bringing about new inventions that will once again transform the world in ways we can only imagine. Related Articles: About the Authors: Richard D. Harroch is a Senior Advisor to CEOs, management teams, and Boards of Directors. He is an expert on M&A, venture capital, startups, and business contracts. He was the Managing Director and Global Head of M&A at VantagePoint Capital Partners, a venture capital fund in the San Francisco area. His focus is on internet, digital media, AI and technology companies. He was the founder of several Internet companies. 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