The Lyrid Meteor Shower will be visible from parts of the UK between 16th and 26th April, and the spectacular event could see hundreds of meteors stream across the sky with long, glowing tails.
Appearing in April every year, the radiant meteor shower will peak this year after midnight on the night of the 22nd April. It occurs when the Earth passes through streams of debris left behind by comets and asteroids. As pebble-sized pieces of debris collide with the Earth, they burn up and appear as shooting stars.
It is located in the constellation Lyra, near the brightest star Alpha Lyrae. It is one of the oldest-known meteor showers, originating from comet Thatcher which was first discovered back in 1861.
Where to spot the Lyrid Meteor Shower?
The Lyrid Meteor Shower will be best spotted in clear, cloudless skies, after midnight and before dawn. Choose a location away from light pollution and built-up streets for unforgettable views.
Some shooting stars are expected to be visible each night from 16th April, so it's the perfect time to step outside to spot the beautiful display above.
In you're in London, you may see around five meteors per hour as the radiant will be high in the sky. For those situated in rural areas, you may see more than observers in a city because of less light pollution.
Exact locations in the UK to see the shower will be found nearer the time, as it's too far in advance to tell precisely. Remember to check your local weather forecast to ensure you find the perfect spot to watch the shower. You don't want to miss this.
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11 pretty picnic blankets for outdoor dining in style
This M&S foldaway picnic rug leans into the popular 1970s interior trend with its punchy colour combination and retro-inspired chequered print.
Pair it with the matching serving tray and snack bowls for a coordinated dining scheme.
This blanket’s tropical print makes it a fitting choice for summer — mainly as it’s reminiscent of sunny holidays relaxing on the beach.
Earthy tones will complement the green motif, so style it with a woven picnic basket and wooden dinnerware for a rustic look.
This blanket, part of Dunelm’s ongoing collaboration with the National History Museum, is designed to celebrate the wonders of the natural world.
Its vibrant print will create a cheerful and inviting atmosphere for garden gatherings and family picnics. Style it with simple, minimalist tableware so that the eye-catching pattern remains the focal point.
This blanket’s rainbow stripes add a modern twist to the classic Herringbone pattern, making for a stand-out piece.
Mismatched dinnerware in various colours will add to the fun, or stick to neutral accessories to make the multi-coloured print pop.
Mountain Warehouse’s patterned picnic blanket is ideal for camping or hiking — it's lightweight, easy to carry around and folds up compactly.
Its playful puppy print will appeal to dog lovers, whether you’re treating yourself or gifting a fellow pet owner.
This hardy picnic blanket is both stylish and practical, allowing you to set up your meal just about anywhere! It's lightweight and can roll up into a bag meaning it's easy to move around. And it's also waterproof, meaning no one needs to get soggy if you're sat on damp grass or sand.
Helpfully, there's also a hole in the middle for a parasol or umbrella, and best of all, this can be machine washed.
Experts in teatime treats and alfresco dining, Fortnum & Mason knows how to make a quality picnic blanket.
In the luxury department store's signature Eau De Nil colourway, this one is crafted from pure new wool — a durable fabric that can withstand frequent use and is naturally resistant to odours, making it easy to clean and maintain.
Pair it with a famous Fortnum’s food hamper for a fancy picnic.
Beachwear brand BukawaSwim has meticulously considered every detail on this picnic blanket, from using upcycled materials and non-toxic dyes to its citrus design inspired by the French Riveria.
It's also reversible, so you can easily switch between the pretty orange design and a neutral green, while the tasselled border adds some extra texture and interest.
Oliver Bonas is one of our go-to retailers for eclectic, quirky homeware — so, naturally, we can’t resist the brand’s outdoor collection. This picnic rug, complete with a playful checked pattern and contrasting colours, will add a splash of colour to any alfresco setup.
For a fresh and modern look, style it with white or grey dinnerware — or embrace the colourful aesthetic by adding pops of pink and yellow to your picnic arrangement.
At two metres long, this extra large picnic blanket will allow you to spread out food, drinks and other picnic essentials without feeling cramped. Its sand-proof backing makes it suitable for beach days, making it easy to brush off excess sand once you pack up – and it's very affordable, too.
