"The Lyrids are caused by Earth passing through the dusty trail left by Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, a long-period comet that orbits the Sun roughly every 415 years."
"Lyrid meteors are known for being bright and fast, often leaving glowing trails in the sky that linger for a few seconds."
"Friction with the air heats the rocky particles to around 1,600°C (2,912°F), vaporising them in a flash we see as a meteor or shooting star."
The Lyrid Meteor Shower will peak on April 22, providing an opportunity to see up to 20 shooting stars per hour. The crescent moon will set before sunrise, minimizing light interference. The Lyrids occur annually as Earth passes through debris from Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher. These meteors travel at speeds up to 31 miles per second, heating to around 1,600°C and creating bright flashes in the sky. Observers will not need special equipment to enjoy this celestial event.
Read at Mail Online
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