The Moscow Planetarium announced that "inhabitants of several regions on Earth will be able to witness a special astronomical phenomenon in April." A statement released by the center's press service noted: "In April, residents of some areas of the Earth will be able to observe the remarkable Lyrids meteor shower, which has been recorded for over 2,500 years."
The statement added: "According to the International Meteor Organization, the peak of the Lyrids meteor shower this year will occur on the night of April 21-22, and astronomy enthusiasts are expected to see 18 meteors falling in the sky every hour."
Scientists at the center pointed out that the conditions for observing this phenomenon are suitable when the moon does not illuminate the sky and when the meteors appear high in the sky above the horizon; however, the observation conditions for the Lyrids this year will be affected by the full moon phenomenon occurring on April 23.
The Lyrid meteor shower is known to be the oldest meteor shower recorded, with a celestial display occurring at almost the same time each year as a result of debris left by comet C/1861 G1, with its particles colliding with the atmosphere and creating distinctive shaped meteors.
