Things You'll Need:
- Film
- Binoculars
- Binoculars
- Blankets
- Blankets
- SLR Camera
- Camera Accessories
- Telescopes
- Sky And Telescope Subscriptions
- Lawn Chairs
- Telescope Tripods
- Telescope Cleaning Kits
- Telescope Camera Adapters
- Telescope T-rings For Camera
- Telescope Dew Caps
- Telescope Light-pollution Filters
- Video Cameras
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Step 1
Mark your calendar for the Lyrid meteor shower that occurs in mid to late April, peaking around the 21st or 22nd.
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Step 2
Watch for Lyrid meteors late at night. The best viewing times are after midnight, and the showers peak between 3 AM and dawn.
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Step 3
Dress warmly.
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Step 4
Use a patio chaise lounge and a thick blanket so you can recline while watching.
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Step 5
Set aside your binoculars or telescope with their narrow field of view. They're great for observing the night sky, but they're counterproductive when watching meteor showers.
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Step 6
Look for the constellation Lyra. The Lyrid meteor shower occurs when Lyra is visible above the horizon.
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Step 7
Look for Lyra about 50 degrees above the horizon some two hours after midnight. It is a four-star constellation near Vega, the brightest star in that part of the sky.
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Step 8
Expect all meteors to appear to emanate from a point near Lyra because of an optical illusion called a radiant point.
