Look Up! Lyrid Meteor Shower Peaks Over Northern California This Month

Get ready, NorCal stargazers—the Lyrid meteor shower is set to light up the night sky during its annual peak from the evening of April 21 into the early morning hours of April 22, 2025. As one of the oldest and most reliable meteor showers, the Lyrids offer a spectacular celestial show each spring.

The Lyrids originate from debris left behind by Comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher), with tiny dust particles entering Earth’s atmosphere at blazing speeds of up to 30 miles per second. The result? Bright streaks of light—aka shooting stars—flashing across the sky.

Northern California offers some great vantage points for the show, especially in high-elevation or low-light areas like Lassen Volcanic National Park, the Sierra foothills, or rural Shasta County. You don’t need a telescope—just a dark sky, some patience, and maybe a sleeping bag.

For best viewing:

• Head out late on April 21 or early April 22.

• Find a spot away from city lights.

• Give your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust to the dark.

• Lie back and scan the whole sky, not just one point.

• Be patient—meteors can come in bursts.

You could see up to 10–15 meteors per hour in ideal conditions. With warmer spring nights and clearer skies, it’s a great excuse to stay up late and enjoy a cosmic treat.

Pro tip: check the weather forecast before heading out. A cloudy night can ruin the show.