The annual Lyrid meteor shower, one of the oldest and most reliable meteor shower displays, is set to peak worldwide this April 2025. The celestial event has been active for up to two weeks in April every year since its first recorded sighting in 687BC by Chinese astronomers. The phenomena is famous for its swift, bright meteors and occasional fireballs, all originating from debris left by Comet Thatcher (C/1861 G1). In 2025, the active dates for the The Lyrids are April 17 to 26, with activity peaking on specific dates in the middle, according to NASA. Here’s what we know about Lyrid meteor shower in Singapore.
When is the Lyrid Meteor Shower in Singapore?
The Lyrids, formed from Comet Thatcher (C/1861 G1) debris, are best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere. However, observes can still catch a few meteors in Singapore zooming across the night sky at lower rates compared to the northern position.
Skywatchers in Singapore can best observe the Lyrids from the late evening of April 21 until just before the waning crescent moon rises in the early morning hours of April 22, 2025. If it’s a clear night, the hours before moonrise should offer the best viewing times before the moon’s brightness hinders visibility.
The Lyrids are known for their unpredictability, with occasional outbursts producing bright fireballs and up to 100 meteors per hour, although such surges are rare. Excitingly, viewers in Singapore can expect to see around 5 to 6 meteors per hour. Although, it’s hard to predict rates for Singapore due to the radiant’s low altitude and urban light pollution.
Where to watch The Lyrids in Singapore?
The Lyrids meteor shower can be witnessed in many locations across Singapore. We recommend finding a secluded spot far from city lights for a rewarding experience. Top recommendations include East Coast Park’s eastern end for open skies, beaches like Changi Beach Park, rural landscapes such as Yishun Dam, natural reserves like Seletar Resrvoir Park, or relatively dark open fields such as Punggol or Kranji, to name a few places.
Sometimes, the Science Centre Observatory hosts public stargazing sessions for the best meteor-spotting experience.
Be sure to allow your eyes at least 15 to 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness and bring a blanket or reclining chair for comfort. Plus, no special equipment is required just your patience and willingness to spend a few hours outdoors under the stars.
Certainly, the Lyrid meteor shower presents a unique opportunity for Singaporeans to connect with a cosmic event that has been observed for more than 2,700 years. Now we just hope that we get luck with the weather! Learn more via NASA.
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