The best time to view the Lyrids is when Lyra, the Northern Hemisphere constellation from which the meteors appear to radiate, is above the horizon, according to EarthSky . As the comet travels, it leaves a trail of ice and dust moving thousands of miles per hour in its wake, astronomer Dean Regas said.

April's Lyrid meteor shower peaks tonight. Here is when and how to watch the exciting 'fireball show' across the night sky