A shower of shooting stars soon to be visible in the sky of Tahiti

Another great moment for astronomers

Because you were almost 2000 à see the pictures and read my article on'total lunar eclipse of March 13, I thought there was many celestial phenomenon enthusiasts in Fenua. In fact. I have decided to warn you every time a curiosity of this type was expected. And precisely, the next is coming soon. Indeed, every year, astronomy enthusiasts and dreamers from all over the world eagerly await theappearance of the Lyrids, a spectacular shooting star shower. Now this celestial phenomenon, which generally occurs between April 16 and 25, East particularly anticipated this year in Tahiti. Because here, the observation conditions are there often ideal.

What are the Lyrids?

The Lyrids are a meteor shower caused by the passage of the Earth through the debris left by comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher. These particles , entering the Earth's atmosphere at a dizzying speed of 49 kilometers per second,ignite and create light trails that we call shooting Stars. This phenomenon is theone of the oldest recorded, with observations dating back more than 2 years.

When and where to observe the Lyrids in Tahiti?

The peak of Lyrid activity is expected in the night of April 21 to 22, 2025 around 3:30 a.m.. In Tahiti, when the sky is clear and with theabsence of light pollution in many areas, the conditions are perfect to admire this natural spectacle. And to maximize your chances, it is advisable tomove away from city lights and find a dark, open place.

How to spot the Lyrids in the sky?

The Lyrid Meteors seem to come from the constellation Lyra, from which they get their name. In addition, this constellation is easily spotted thanks to the'bright star Vega, which rises at theis shortly after sunset. Although shooting stars can appear anywhere in the sky, they all converge towards this radiant point.

Tips for optimal observation

To fully enjoy this celestial spectacle, here are some practical tips:

• Adapt your eyes to the dark : avoid artificial lights for at least 15 to 20 minutes before beginning your observation.
• Make yourself comfortable : bring a blanket (a little) or a lounge chair to look at the sky stretched out and effortlessly.
• be patient : Although the average rate is around 10 to 20 meteors per hour, it can vary. With a little luck, you might even spot a fireball, a particularly bright meteor.

Why are the Lyrids special?

The Lyrids are not just a visual spectacle. Indeed, they also carry a historical significance et scientific. Because in addition to being one of the oldest documented meteor showers, they offer to scientists an opportunity tostudy cometary debris and their interaction with the Earth's atmosphere.

Capture the magic of the Lyrids

The little extras of Tahiti Pratique 

Ultimately

This kind of phenomenon is often a a real invitation to raise one's eyes to the sky and to himself reconnect with nature. And the Lyrids are no exception to the rule. So we can only hope that the bad weather which is raging at the time I write this article will have left the fenua. If so, whether you are a amateur astronomer or just a nature lovers, don't miss this heavenly meeting. Prepare to be amazed by the beauty and greatness of the universe, visible from the paradise what is Tahiti. And frankly, what more romantic that of look at the sky with your other half, comfortably installed good glass by hand? Carpe Diem 😉

PS: If any of you have managed to capture beautiful images of the phenomenon, I will be pleased as usual to publish them here. You know my address, ppgad@pucrs.br 👍