If you're planning to spend the Bank Holiday weekend eating too many chocolate eggs and pretending the laundry doesn't exist, you're not alone. But if you do happen to pop outside after dark (perhaps to walk off that third helping of roast potatoes), you might just get a bonus show from the heavens.
Yes, it’s that time of year again – the Lyrid Meteor Shower is back! Active from around the 16th to the 25th of April, its peak is expected in the early hours of April 22nd. These meteors – leftovers from Comet Thatcher (which, despite the name, is not a regular visitor) – tend to be fast and bright, with the odd fireball thrown in for good measure.
The best time to catch them? After midnight and before dawn, when the radiant point (in the constellation Lyra) is higher in the sky. But don’t worry if you’re not an expert stargazer – just find a dark spot, wrap up warm, lie back and look up. No equipment needed. Just your eyes, a bit of patience, and ideally a clear sky (go on, British weather – give us a break).
And as if that weren’t enough cosmic excitement, there’s more: solar activity is on the rise, which means a cheeky appearance from the Northern Lights isn’t out of the question – even for us in the UK. That magical green glow, usually the preserve of Icelandic postcards and wintery wish lists, could pop up much further south than usual.
Your best chance? Again, head somewhere dark, far from streetlights, and look north. If we get lucky, you might just spot a bit of auroral shimmer dancing above the horizon. Think of it as the sky’s way of joining in the Easter celebration.
So yes – while you could be productive today… wouldn’t you rather step outside, look up, and let the universe show off for a bit?