Spectacular April 11 Meteor Event Sparks Interest in Star Gazing

Who doesn’t like to watch a good meteor shower? The Lyrids, which occur every April when the Earth passes through the orbit of the comet called Thatcher, came and went this weekend, but there are more chances coming.

There was a spectacular meteor event seen by many folks on April 11 that sparked a great deal of interest in the night skies. Here's a YouTube video.

But Bruce Abels, community relations director of the Fox Valley Astronomical Society, said you'll have to be lucky to see something similar in the next few days. If you really are determined to see a sky show, go outside with “a blanket, a comfortable chaise lounge chair, a pot of coffee and your dog and wait.”

“You have to be in the right place at the right time,” he said.

You may see some shooting stars this time of year, however. Estimates vary from as low as two to as many as 20 per hour. The moon is still new, which means it will not be bright and will not interfere with visibility. But you will have city and suburban lights to obscure matters and an uncooperative weather condition.

Dr. Mark Hammergren, astronomer for Chicago’s Alder Planetarium, says the Lyrids fall onto the ‘B’ list of meteor showers."

Hammergren said April is OK for meteor gazing, but other times of the year are better. He said 50 to 100 Perseid meteors per hour can be seen every August.

Rick Gering, public relations officer for the Naperville Astronomical Association, invites the public to bring telescopes at 7:30 p.m. April 26 to the Naperville Riverwalk for a night of sky gazing. The meeting place is on Jackson between Eagle and Main.

If you want to sky gaze, the Adler’s website suggests you look for the planet Venus, which is now at its brightest for the year. It’s easy to spot in the western sky shortly after sunset. It will not be not far from a slim waxing crescent moon on April 24. Venus sets in the west-northwest around 11 p.m., Central Daylight time.

The Fox Valley Astronomical Society holds public star parties. The next one is May 12 at Peck Farm in Geneva. Click here for details.

Click for information about Naperville Astronomical Association membership and events.