Get ready to set your sights on the sky this April as there are 10 must-see astronomy events happening that will leave you in awe. From rare planetary conjunctions to meteor showers and even a total solar eclipse, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Kicking off the month on April 3rd, Venus and Neptune will have a conjunction, where they will share the same right ascension. This event will be visible through a telescope or a pair of binoculars, with Venus passing 17 minutes to the south of Neptune. It’s a unique opportunity to witness these two planets align in the night sky.
Next up on April 6th, the Moon and Mars will have a conjunction of their own. They will share the same right ascension, with the Moon passing 1 degree and 58 minutes to the south of Mars. This close approach can be observed with the naked eye or through binoculars. It’s a chance to see two celestial bodies come together in a beautiful display.
On April 7th, there will be another conjunction involving the Moon and Venus. The Moon will pass 23 minutes to the north of Venus, and this event will also feature a lunar occultation, where the Moon passes in front of Venus. This phenomenon will be visible from various countries and territories, making it a truly special event for sky gazers.
The highlight of the month comes on April 8th, with a total solar eclipse. This highly anticipated event will occur from 15:43 GMT to 20:52 GMT. The Moon will completely cover the Sun, creating a moment of darkness during the day. This eclipse will be visible from North America, Mexico, and Canada, making it a rare opportunity for those in these regions to witness such a spectacle.
Also on April 8th, there will be a Super New Moon. The New Moon occurs when the Sun and Moon are aligned, with the Sun and Earth on opposite sides of the Moon. This phase is ideal for observing faint objects in the night sky, such as galaxies and star clusters. The Super New Moon occurs when the New Moon is close to its perigee, the point in its orbit closest to Earth.
Continuing on April 8th, the Moon and Jupiter will have a conjunction. Although not as close as some of the other events, it is still worth observing. Saturn and Mars will also make a close approach on this date, passing within a mere 26.4 arcminutes of each other. All of these events can be seen with the naked eye or through a telescope or binoculars.
On April 21st, the Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks will reach its peak brightness. This comet is expected to become visible to the naked eye, with its magnitude rising to 4.2. However, comets are highly unpredictable, so it’s always exciting to see how they behave.
The Lyrid Meteor Shower will take place on April 22nd-23rd, making it one of the most popular meteor showers of the year. Under ideal conditions, about 10 to 15 meteors can be seen soaring across the sky. However, this year the shower reaches its maximum three days before the Full Moon, which means that moonlight may outshine most meteors. Finding a dark spot with clear skies will be key to getting the best view.
Speaking of the Full Moon, April’s Full Moon is known as the Pink Moon. It gets its name from the brightly-colored pink phlox wildflowers that bloom around this time. This Full Moon will be fully illuminated and will occur on April 23rd-24th. It’s a perfect opportunity to appreciate the beauty of our nearest celestial neighbor.
Wrapping up the month on April 29th, Mars and Neptune will have a close approach. They will pass within a mere 2.1 arcminutes of each other, creating a stunning sight in the night sky. This event can be observed with the naked eye, through a telescope, or a pair of binoculars.
April is truly a month for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts. With a total solar eclipse, rare planetary conjunctions, a meteor shower, and more, there are plenty of reasons to look up and marvel at the wonders of the universe. So mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable month of celestial events.
