Every year, meteor showers pass through the Earth's atmosphere, allowing us to admire shooting stars in great numbers several times a year. And this April is full of celestial activity: from April 14 to April 30, 2024, the Lyrides illuminate France, although they are generally difficult to observe due to the gloomy weather. But if you're lucky and the weather's fine, you're in for a treat!
The peak of activity is on the night of April 22 to 23, when you'll see a shooting star every 4 minutes or so. Unfortunately, this year the Moon will be almost full, and its high luminosity is likely to make this meteor shower very difficult to see with the naked eye. Just in case, you'll need to look up towards the constellation Lyra, where the meteors originate, in a north/north-easterly direction. They come from comet C/1861 G1, discovered in 1861.
The next big event will take place in August, with the best-known phenomenon, the Perseids, which offer us the most beautiful spectacle of all, with almost a hundred shooting stars per hour! But before that, the Êta Aquarides will be visible at the beginning of May, with a slightly smaller swarm.
And don't forget to make a wish!
Astronomy: the best places to see shooting stars in Paris and the Île-de-France region
Numerous shooting star nights occur throughout the year. These stars can be admired if the weather allows it, in places where pollution is less. But where to find these rare pearls in Paris and Ile-de-France? [Read more]
Astronomy: the best places to see shooting stars in Paris and the Île-de-France region
