Tarragona province prepares for the Lyrid meteor shower

The Lyrid meteor shower, active since April 15, will reach its peak activity on the night of April 21-22, offering a spectacular display of meteors in the sky over Tarragona.

Generic image of a meteor shower in a dark night sky.
IA

Generic image of a meteor shower in a dark night sky.

Tarragona province is preparing for one of spring's most anticipated astronomical events: the Lyrid meteor shower, which will reach its peak activity on the night of April 21-22.

This phenomenon, visible annually in mid-April, will allow dozens of meteors to be observed crossing the sky under favorable conditions. The Lyrids have been active since April 15 and will be visible until April 29.
The Lyrids originate when Earth passes through a cloud of particles left by Comet Thatcher (C/1861 G1). These fragments, upon entering the Earth's atmosphere at high speed, disintegrate and create the well-known "shooting stars".
The night of April 21-22 will be the period of maximum activity in Tarragona province. During these hours, especially before dawn, between 10 and 20 meteors per hour can be observed in dark skies. Furthermore, conditions will be particularly good this year, as the Moon's light will not significantly interfere during the second half of the night.
To fully enjoy the spectacle, experts recommend moving away from urban centers and seeking open spaces with low light pollution, such as beaches or rural inland areas. It is also important to allow your eyes to adapt to the darkness for at least 20 minutes. An excellent option is to seek out 'starlight' certified skies, which offer superior clarity and spectacular views. The area of Muntanyes de Prades and Montsant, in Tarragona, is one of the largest 'starlight' areas in Europe.