Lyrids meteor shower dazzles PH Wednesday

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Streaks of light will dazzle the sky in the country Wednesday night as the annual Lyrids meteor shower reaches its peak, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration.

PAGASA said the meteor shower typically generates a dozen meteors per hour under optimal conditions with a brief maximum that lasts for less than a day.

Lyrids meteor shower has been observed for more than 2,600 years. The meteor shower is created by bits of debris left behind by the repeated passage through the inner solar system of comet Thatcher (C/1861 G1).

Based on Chinese records, “stars fell like rain” during the meteor shower of 687 B.C., but in recent times, the Lyrids have generally been weak.

The meteor, which are bright and fast, can still be viewed with the naked eye even if it is not numerous.

PAGASA described a meteor shower as the large concentration of falling meteors, which is a recurring phenomenon.

Meteors are easiest to see if there is no moonlight and light pollution at all and if the sky is clear. (Ellalyn V. Ruiz)

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