Lyrid meteor shower to peak on April 21. Consider viewing from these Utah locations

SALT LAKE CITY — The Lyrid meteor shower peaks between April 21 and 22, offering this spring’s first opportunity to watch shooting stars. 

If you’re interested in viewing the show, you must find somewhere away from city lights. Light pollution, or the light emitted from modern city elements, like buildings and streetlights, drowns out the glow of the stars, greatly diminishing their appearance or erasing them altogether. 

NASA recommended choosing a spot at least 20 miles from sources of light pollution. Additionally, choosing a spot at a higher altitude may help you get a better view. Fog, smoke, and haze sometimes make it more difficult to watch meteor showers, and getting to a higher elevation may put you above obstructions. 

When viewing the Lyrid meteor shower, the direction you face shouldn’t matter. A video published by the Royal Astronomical Society explained that you should be able to “just look up.” 

Lyrid meteor shower viewing locations

Several Utah state parks possess International Dark Sky designations. The recognition signifies that locations use light pollution reduction policies, per DarkSky International. 

The Utah Division of Natural Resources website lists the following areas as International Dark Sky Parks: 

• Antelope Island State Park 
• East Canyon State Park 
• Jordanelle State Park 
• Rockport State Park 
• Steinaker State Park 
• Dead Horse Point State Park 
• Goblin Valley State Park

Several others are making efforts to become designated, including Bear Lake State Park, Wasatch Mountain State Park, and Gunlock State Park, per the Division of Natural Resources. 

Furthermore, all five Utah national parks are also designated as International Dark Sky Parks. 

Alternative viewing spots are also available — consider visiting a ski resort or hiking trailhead, so long as it’s far enough away from light sources. Visit Salt Lake recommends looking for areas in the Cottonwood Canyons or Emigration Canyon. 

If you choose to venture into the canyons, ensure that you are parking in an area where you won’t be a road hazard. The Utah Department of Transportation’s website outlines procedures for parking in the Cottonwood Canyons, asking drivers to only park in designated roadside areas and ensure their vehicle is completely off the road — all tires must be outside the white line. 

Illegal parking can lead to fines. 

Before you head out

As you prepare to watch the meteor show, dress in warm layers suited to the weather. Pack gloves and a warm hat to ensure comfort as you watch. Check the weather before you go to ensure conditions will be safe and clear enough to watch the meteor shower. 

Visit Utah also suggested packing camping chairs or blankets to sit on, as well as snacks and water. 

Give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness. According to National Geographic, it takes about 20 minutes for our vision to adjust to low-light conditions. During that time, avoid looking at your cell phone. If you need to illuminate a path, use a flashlight that emits red light. 

Additionally, turn your vehicle’s headlights off after you’ve reached your destination. 

While your eyes are enough to view shooting stars, National Geographic suggested taking binoculars for closer looks at the sky. 

If you miss the 2025 Lyrid meteor shower, check the American Meteor Society for information on future celestial events. The next one, the Eta Aquariids, is expected to peak between May 5 and 6. 

Read more about Utah stargazing:

• Utah’s ‘Dark Sky Month’ aims to showcase the stars
• East Canyon Park becomes Utah’s 14th dark sky park
• Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show