Chances of shooting stars Lyrids in the night sky promise celestial spectacle
In mid-April, shooting stars will once again flit across our night sky. The Lyrids are back and in 2025 the chances are good for shooting star fans.
14.04.2025, 17:39
15.04.2025, 17:39
dpa
What are the Lyrid shooting stars?
The Lyrids are one of the oldest known meteor streams. They have been observed by the human eye for 2,700 years. The first written mention of a Lyrid sighting dates back to 687 BC by the Chinese.
They consist of dust particles from Comet Thatcher, which burn up at 50 kilometers per second - and enchant the night sky.
Lyrids at a glance
- Comet of origin: C/1861 G1 Thatcher
- Name: Derived from the constellation Lyra, called "Lyra" in Latin
- Visible in the night sky: From April 14-30, 2025
- Speed of the comets: 47 kilometers per second
When can the shooting stars be seen?
The meteor stream is active between April 14 and 30, when up to 18 shooting stars per hour are possible. It peaks this year on April 22, but already in the afternoon around 3:30 pm - when it is still too bright here. However, observation experts assume that the peak could also be delayed. The night from April 22 to 23, when it is dark, is therefore particularly worthwhile .
What will the weather be like?
Between April 14 and 30, 2025, Switzerland can expect typical, changeable April weather. There will be frequent showers and isolated thunderstorms, especially in the west and south where there may be heavy rain in places. The snow line is usually around 1600 to 1800 meters. The Easter weekend will be friendlier with more sunshine, but the risk of showers will remain.
A stroke of luck this year: the moon will hardly interfere, so the sky will only belong to the shooting stars! The narrow waning crescent moon only rises in the early morning at around 4:30 am and remains low in the eastern sky - so its light is hardly a problem.
Where can the Lyrids be seen?
The best viewing conditions are in the early hours of the morning: This is when the constellation Lyra with the radiant of the Lyrids is high in the south-east. The shooting stars appear to radiate from there, often close to the bright star Vega.
If you want to see the spectacle, you should look southeast - towards the constellation Lyra, where the bright star Vega also twinkles. No telescope is needed, just warm clothes, patience and a wish on your lips.
Why do shooting stars actually shine?
Meteors are formed from the remains of comets and asteroid fragments. When comets orbit the sun, they leave a dusty trail behind them. Every year, the Earth passes through these debris trails, causing the fragments to collide with our atmosphere.
The Lyrid meteoroids enter the Earth's atmosphere at a speed of around 180,000 kilometers per hour and burn up, causing the surrounding air to glow - visible as shooting stars darting across the sky.
