Lyrid meteor shower peaks tonight, ideal viewing forecast

The Lyrid meteor shower, the oldest recorded with an outburst reported on March 16, 687 BC, reaches its 2026 peak tonight with forecasters predicting near-perfect weather across many observing regions. Guides for viewers in the US and UK say the best viewing runs after midnight from dark-sky locations, and a 2026 telescope and binocular guide recommends optics for meteor watching. An audio stargazing companion and step-by-step how-to pieces are available to help first-time watchers spot meteors during the pre-dawn peak.