SCOTTISH stargazers are to be dazzled this month as the Lyrid meteor shower becomes visible and peaks in the coming days and weeks.

If you're looking to go out and see this spectacle with your own eyes, here is everything you need to know.

What are the Lyrids and where do they come from?

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Meteors are debris from other celestial events like comets and asteroids. Meteors are debris from other celestial events like comets and asteroids. (Image: Getty)

According to Royal Museums Greenwich, meteors are parts of debris left behind from other celestial events like asteroids and comets.

When the Earth passes through the trail of material, a number of these fall through the atmosphere, burning up and creating a marvellous light show.

The Lyrid meteor shower is associated with the long-period comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher. It is the oldest recorded meteor shower still visible today, being first recorded in 687 BCE.

When will the Lyrid meteor shower peak over Scotland?

The meteor shower will be active between April 14 and April 30. It will peak on the night of April 22-23 just before dawn.

The best places to see the Lyrid meteor shower in Scotland

There are a number of areas across Scotland perfect for seeing the Lyrid meteor shower. These places are away from light pollution and the hustle and bustle of city life.

Here are some great places across Scotland for star gazing, according to Visit Scotland.

Galloway Forest Park

Known for its exceptionally dark skies, the site is the UK's largest forest park.

North Ronaldsay

Orkney's northernmost island North Ronaldsay was recently recognised as a "dark sky island", making it ideal for enjoying the night sky to its fullest.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: The Lyrid meteor shower is associated with the long-period comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher.The Lyrid meteor shower is associated with the long-period comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher. (Image: Getty)

Tomintoul and Glenlivet – Cairngorms Dark Sky Park

Dark sky events take place here all year round with the Cairngorms Astronomy Group regularly watching the sky.

Moffat

The town of Moffat recently adopted new street lighting to help keep light pollution at bay, seeing it named Europe's first "dark sky town".

Tips for getting the best views of the Lyrids this April

Astronomers recommend lying on your back and using the naked eye, allowing you to see as much of the sky as possible.

Nasa has also advised giving your eyes time to adjust to the dark to see the celestial event better.

This can be done by staying away from phone screens and bright lights as these can negatively impact your night vision.