In this 2015 we will have a total of eleven Meteor Showers (three less than last year). Faithful to its appointment, the Líridas rain begins one more year during the month of April, specifically this year they can be observed from April 16 to 25. The maximum of this storm of luminous particles will occur on Wednesday the 22nd .
The Lyrid meteors belong to Comet Thatcher from the constellation Lyre, whose orbit is 415 years. It is one of the most important rains of the year , along with the Perseids, the Leonids and the Quadrantics. As in all of them, it can be observed without the need for telescopes or other instruments. The only requirement is to go to a place away from light pollution and wait for the weather to accompany a clear sky. The Moon, in this case, will not be an obstacle, as it will be in the most initial waxing phase (at 13%). The rain, considered of medium-high intensity , will be seen from all over the world , although more clearly from the northern hemisphere of the planet.
In spite of everything, these meteors do not exceed the size of a grain of sand, so they will only be visible after coming into contact with the Earth’s atmosphere at about 100 km high, and disappear shortly after when they are about 50 km away. The characteristics of these meteors are basic: quite bright and with a moderate speed (about 49 kilometers per second) .
Comet Thatcher’s last and closest approach to Earth occurred on May 5, 1861, which coincides with the year it was discovered. This maximum approach, therefore, we will not be able to see it until the year 2276 .
The next shower of stars that we can enjoy will be in the month of May; at the beginning of the month the Eta Aquarids will take place.
