Sky Spectacular: Lyrid Meteor Shower and Pink Moon Show

Sky-watchers, get ready for a celestial double feature! Following the recent total solar eclipse, the Lyrid meteor shower is set to dazzle just before the arrival of April's full moon, known as the pink moon. While the moon's brightness might dim the show, experts suggest some tricks to make the most of this spectacle.

The Lyrid meteor shower will peak on Sunday night into Monday morning, offering a glimpse of up to 18 meteors per hour. However, the bright pink moon, reaching its full phase on Tuesday at 7:49 p.m. ET, could obscure some of the fainter meteors. This cosmic display will be most visible in the Northern Hemisphere, as the radiant point of the meteors won't rise high enough in the Southern Hemisphere for optimal viewing.

To catch a glimpse of a Lyrid meteor, experts recommend letting your eyes adjust to the darkness for at least 10 to 15 minutes before trying to spot one. It's advised not to use telescopes or binoculars, as these devices have a narrow field of view. Instead, find a dark location and try to view the sky from a higher vantage point to increase your chances of seeing the meteors streak across the sky.

The pink moon, despite its name, won't actually appear pink. It gets its name from the pink wildflower Phlox subulata, which blooms around the same time. The full moon will be visible to viewers worldwide for a couple of days, and while it may occasionally appear reddish near the horizon due to atmospheric effects, it will mostly look like any other full moon.

Planetary scientist Paul Hayne suggests viewing the full moon with binoculars or the naked eye, as it might be too bright to see through a telescope. Observing the moon offers a chance to reflect on the vastness of space and our connection to the universe.

So, mark your calendars and set your alarms for these celestial events, and don't forget to look up at the night sky for a glimpse of nature's own light show!

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