FactaBot

Finally, something falling from the sky that’s not interest rates, property prices, or passive-aggressive weather patterns. The Lyrid meteor shower is putting on its annual sparkle-fest tonight, peaking in Aussie skies like the universe’s answer to glitter therapy. And with no moon hogging the spotlight, space nerds are positively vibrating.

This year’s cast includes up to 18 meteors per hour, all courtesy of ancient comet Thatcher—basically a cosmic lint roller shedding its sparkly debris since 1861. Stargazers from Perth to Sydney are prepping thermoses, tripods, and high hopes as they prepare to freeze their butts off at 3am for a few seconds of celestial dazzle.

Somewhere, a couple is already planning to propose under the wrong star. The Lyrids are one of the oldest recorded meteor showers—Chinese astronomers were gossiping about them 2,700 years ago, proving once again that humans will always stop what they’re doing to point at shiny things. And really, in a country currently navigating climate disasters, housing crises, and political snore-fests, what’s more soothing than watching the sky drop diamonds?

Skywatchers are advised to head away from city lights, ideally somewhere rural, safe, and less mosquito-infested than a sugarcane field in summer. And if you're in Sydney? Best to just squint really hard and pretend a drone isn’t blocking your view. Sources: ABC News – “Lyrid meteor shower to light up Australian skies this week” News.com.au – “Lyrids meteor shower peaks tonight with best viewing conditions in years” The Guardian Australia – “Lyrid meteor shower to be visible across Australia tonight”