The oldest recorded meteor shower in human history

Space · Published 30 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Lyrids are not just a seasonal celestial display; they are a bridge to antiquity. This video explores the history and timing of one of our most enduring astronomical phenomena.

The Lyrids meteor shower typically takes place over a two-week window in April, reaching its peak around April 22. While it is a recurring event, its historical significance is profound: records of this specific shower date back as far as 687 BC.

This makes the Lyrids the oldest known record of any meteor shower to date. Watching them provides a rare connection to the same celestial mechanics observed by humans over two millennia ago.

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