How to See This Amazing Meteor Shower in Arizona Skies

The dark skies of Arizona are a hub of activity if you're an astronomy buff. Dust off that telescope and the picnic blanket, because Arizona may be the best place to catch a glimpse of this nighttime show, just around the corner.

The pre-dawn hours are the best time to see the 2023 Lyrid Meteor Shower. Credit: Canva

You'll have the best chance of seeing this meteor shower if you're an early bird or at least willing to set an alarm to get up in the predawn hours. Pull up a seat for this springtime celestial show.

The Lyrid Meteor Shower

First up, the Lyrids Meteor Shower happens from April 15th to April 29th. The Lyrids will reach their peak on April 23rd. According to NASA's website, sky watchers can expect to see an average of 10 meteors per hour under clear, dark skies. On occasions, the Lyrids have been known to surge to around 100 meteors every hour, so keep your eyes peeled for a potentially exciting show.

Be sure to look to the Southern Skies at for the Lyrid Meteor Shower. Credit: Canva

Look to the Southern sky in the predawn hours for the Lyrid Shower. This year, the Moon will only be 9% full at the peak. The moon will also set in the early evening, setting the stage for extremely dark skies and the perfect chance to experience this amazing show.

Even the moon is playing along. The moon will be at 9% at the height of the Lyrid Meteor shower, and will set early in the evening creating super dark skies. Credit: Canva

Aquarids Meteor Shower

Next on the program are the Aquarids. They make their appearance beginning April 15th and continue through May 27th. The Aquarids will reach their maximum around May 4th through May 6th, with around 10 to 30 meteors per hour.

The Aquarids are part of Halley's Comet and the debris trail created as the famous comet circles the Sun. If you're hoping to see these, they'll be coming out of the Southeastern sky in the early morning hours.

The best place to see the Aquarids Meteor Shower will be in the Southern Hemisphere, so we'll enjoy the Lyrids in Arizona. Credit: Canva

Sadly, Arizona isn't the best place to enjoy this particular show. even though we may glimpse a little of the event. The Southern Hemisphere is in the best postition for these, but even Australians may be out of luck at the height of the shower. The best parts may be lost to the moon's glare, which will be 100% full at the shower's peak.