Stargazers and insomniacs rejoice because the Lyrid meteor shower is set to be visible above the UK all week.

The annual display is caused by the Earth passing through a cloud of debris from a comet called C/186 Thatcher.

According to the Met Office, ‘Known for their fast, bright meteors, the Lyrids are one of the oldest known meteor showers’ and at the peak of the shower, viewers could see 10 to 15 meteors per hour.

So, just when will that be, and will they be visible tonight?

What day does the Lyrid meteor shower peak?

The annual shower will reach its peak on Tuesday 21 April and the best time to watch it will be between midnight and dawn.

This year’s peak coincides with the new moon on Tuesday, meaning skies will be especially dark, offering better visibility.

Stargazers may see up to 10 meteors per hour if they’re lucky.

Will the Lyrid meteor shower be visible tonight?

The Lyrid meteor shower takes place between Thursday 16 April and Saturday 25 April, but while the light shower is already underway, it will be most visible at its peak.

How can I view the Lyrid meteor shower 2020?

You won’t need a telescope or any special equipment to see them yourself, you can simply head out to your garden, or a well-positioned window.

The best time to view the shower is between midnight and dawn, and they’re more visible under dark, clear skies.

They are generally less visible in cities with light pollution.

Remember to wrap up warm, as you could be outside for a while, as you likely won’t be able to see them straight away.

Royal Observatory Greenwich astronomer Ed Bloom told Sky News that people must be ‘patient.’

He said: ‘it could be an hour before you see anything, so wrap up warm and get comfy in your garden.’

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