SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Lyrid Meteor Shower will be especially bright this year as it peaks this weekend, just after the new moon. When the moon is full, it overpowers the dark sky and makes for difficult celestial viewing.
Every year from mid to late April, the Lyrid Meteor shower streaks through the night sky. Astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy talks about how to get the best chance of snapping a photo of this light display.
For the darkest sky, get away from city lights, but allow your eyes to adjust for about 30 minutes to the different light conditions. At the peak, you may be able to see 10-20 meteors per hour.
However, taking photos can be tricky and probably won't work with your cell phone.
McCarthy says a DSLR with a wide angle lens works well. He uses an intervalometer that just takes photos over and over all night. This helps increase the chances of snapping a photo of the meteor because there's no way you can hit the shutter fast enough to capture it when it's happening.
Clear skies and warmer weather this weekend will make for extra great viewing.
Northern California's biggest annual meteor shower is the Perseid, which peaks in August.
McCarthy's love for capturing celestial events began at a young age. His dad always had a telescope and Andrew became fascinated with space.
"On one night, I'm just looking at the stars, I'm like, 'Why don't I just buy a telescope. I have money. I should just buy a telescope,'" said McCarthy.
He started trying to take pictures with a phone, but quickly learned he needed better equipment. His technique evolved and was able to turn a hobby into a career.
"I'm very lucky to have the support of people that enjoy looking at my images to be able to continue to do this," said McCarthy.
McCarthy posts his images on Twitter and Instagram.
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