Image Credit: NASA MSFC


Mr. Rufus J. So-and-So and I are going to a show tonight. The reviews are not in, but It's supposed to be just out of this world. I'd like to say we scored a couple of VIP passes with our free tickets, but I guess we're too small and insignificant. Turns out that any small and insignificant person anywhere is invited. I don't know how many are aware they're on the guest list, though. I haven't heard anything on the radio promoting the event — Don't think Venus has much of an ad budget.

So I'll do the honors in case you don't already know: You are cordially invited to look at the sky tonight for one of the most active meteor showers of the year. Lay down in your yard with a loved one and a bottle of wine, or camp out in the darkest, quietest place you can find. Wherever you are, make a wish. And remember that the best things in life really are free.

From EarthSky.org:

April 22, 2009 Lyrids
Lyrid meteors tend to be bright and often leave trails. About 10-20 meteors per hour at peak are to be expected. Uncommon surges can sometimes bring the rate up to 100 per hour, but these rather rare outbursts are not easy to predict. That’s one of the reasons why the tantalizing Lyrids are worth watching. The best viewing night should be between midnight and dawn on Wednesday, April 22.