Lyrids Meteor Shower · 2026
Lyrids Meteor Shower
The Lyrids are one of the oldest recorded meteor showers and bring spring back to the night sky, peaking the night of Apr 22-23, 2026. NASA describes a modest but reliable show of about 10 to 20 meteors per hour at the peak (roughly 5 to 6 per hour is more typical) under dark skies, with the occasional bright fireball. The dust comes from Comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher). For RV travelers chasing them, the high desert of Great Basin National Park offers some of the darkest skies in the lower 48.
Peak & active window
Peak night of Apr 22-23, 2026 (NASA lists Apr 21-22); active Apr 17-26, 2026 (per NASA)
Rate & parent body
About 10-20/hr at peak (around 5-6/hr typical) per NASA · Parent comet: C/1861 G1 (Thatcher) · Occasional bright fireballs · Moonlight interferes in 2026
Where to watch
Any dark, moonless, low-light-pollution site works; the radiant near the constellation Lyra rises in the late evening and climbs through the early morning.
Nearest RV base
Great Basin National Park, NV - the Lower Lehman Creek Campground has a limited number of pull-through sites for RVs and trailers and is one of the darkest places in the country, ideal for an April meteor trip.
Watch it honestly
The rates NASA quotes are an ideal-condition maximum; in 2026 the Moon is roughly three days past full at peak, so moonlight, clouds, and light pollution will cut what you actually see. No telescope is needed - lie back, take in as much sky as you can, and give your eyes 20-30 minutes to dark-adapt. Meteor timing and counts vary year to year and are never guaranteed.
Confirm the peak timing and conditions with the source: NASA - Lyrids .