New Zealand confirm November Test against Ireland

US, UK, NZ accuse China of cyber attacks on 'democratic institutions'

Upcoming Lyrid Meteor Shower May Be Hard to See

Upcoming , Lyrid Meteor Shower , May Be Hard to See. 'The Independent' reports that skywatchers looking to catch the Lyrid meteor shower may be foiled by the moon. . This year's peak activity occurs on April 21 and 22, with up to 20 meteors expected per hour. . Potential viewing should last through April 29. . However, the American Meteor Society warns that strong moonlight may interfere with viewing. . Every year, multiple meteor showers occur and don't require special equipment to see them. . For the most part, meteor showers originate from debris left behind by comets, like the Lyrids, which come from the comet Thatcher. . As these space rocks enter the Earth's atmosphere, air resistance makes them extremely hot, which causes the air around them to glow. This glow leaves a fiery trail behind the meteor, which can be observed from the ground as a "shooting star.". Look to the northeast and just keep staring at the same spot in the sky. It's always impressive when you see these things, Don Pollacco, University of Warwick astronomer, via 'The Independent'. The Lyrids are best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere, while the upcoming Eta Aquarids meteor shower can best be seen from the Southern Hemisphere.

North Americans elated by total solar eclipse

The next total eclipse will be on 12 August 2026 and will cover large areas of the northern hemisphere.

'Devil Comet' May Join Solar Eclipse in Rare Synchronized Celestial Event

'Devil Comet', May Join Solar Eclipse in , Rare Synchronized Celestial Event. 'Devil Comet', May Join Solar Eclipse in , Rare Synchronized Celestial Event. NBC reports that a "devil comet" may be visible during next month's highly anticipated North American solar eclipse. So-called "devil comets" are known for occasional explosive outbursts, which give the celestial objects their unique appearance. Last year, an eruption on Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks left it with two trails of gas and ice, which give the appearance of devil horns. . The unique comet is currently visible in the early evenings from the Northern Hemisphere on the west-northwest horizon with the aid of binoculars or telescopes. The comet is expected to brighten throughout the month, until it becomes visible to the naked eye as it reaches its closest point to the sun around mid-April. NBC reports that the "devil comet" could be visible during the upcoming April 8 total solar eclipse if the comet flares significantly in the coming weeks. . Those in the eclipse's path of totality, from Texas to Maine, could be treated to a rare synchronized celestial event. . The comet was first observed by French astronomer Jean-Louis Pons in 1812. . In 1883, British-American astronomer William Brooks became the second to spot the rare celestial object. NBC reports that Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks orbit around the sun takes 71 years, making sightings of the comet a truly rare occurrence.