What is in the Night Sky in April?

 

 

April offers a remarkable stellar show for skywatchers as the night sky comes alive with planets, stars and we even have a meteor shower. Whether you are a new to stargazing, beginner or a seasoned astronomer, there is plenty to see throughout April. Here is what is coming up for April.

 

The planets

 

April brings some exciting planet opportunities.

 

Venus

 

Known as the brightest planet of the night sky, it is becoming a morning planet and it rises 70 minutes before sunrise. On the 25th April it forms a triangle with Planets Saturn and Neptune.

 

Mars

 

Mars is typically visible in the Eastern Sky for the early part of the month before setting in the early hours but is now disappearing evening planet. Mars often has a reddish hue, which makes it easily identifiable.

 

Jupiter

 

Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system. As the month progresses it will be rising earlier and earlier. If you have a telescope you can see it’s distinctive cloud bands!SaturnSaturn will be best seen in the morning hours of April near the Southeastern horizon but will be hard to see in the morning twilight.

 

The Moon

 

April’s full moon is known as the Pink Moon and it will be visible on 12th April. The moon however won’t appear Pink, is named the colour Pink for the early Springtime flowers that bloom in North America, which are often pink in Colour. The full moon will be a great opportunity to observe the lunar surface, with craters and maria clearly visible through binoculars or a telescope.

 

Meteor Showers

 

Lyrid Meteor Shower (April 16th – April 25th)The Lyrid Meteor Shower will peak around the 22nd. They are known for being bright meteors, often with visible trails, and can produce up to 20 meteors per hour at their peak. The best time to observe this shower is midnight when the radiant point in the constellation of Lyra is high in the sky. The moon won’t be rising until at least 3am, so their won’t be any light pollution from the moon.Make yourself comfortable watching it with a reclining chair, warm clothes, blankets and a hot drink.

 

Constellation and Stars

 

OrionWhilst we associate Orion with the Winter Months it is still visible in the early evening in the first half of April. Look for its three bright stars in the belt which makes Orion the most recognisable.Ursa MajorUrsa Major known as the big dipper, or as I like to call it the shopping trolley! It is prominent in the northern sky during April, this constellation can also help you to navigate to the North Star Polaris, which is also part of the smaller constellation of Ursa Minor.LeoLeo takes centre stage during April. The distinctive backward question mark, the shape of the lions head is visible in the eastern sky during the evening. Regulus the brightest star in Leo is easily identifiable.

 

Tips for stargazing in April

 

Bring a telescope or binoculars.. Whilst some of the planets are still visible to the naked eye, having binoculars or a small telescope can enhance your experience and reveal more detail, especially when it comes to the moon’s surface and distant planets.Find a dark sky location that is away from pollution, as the pollution can hinder your view of fainter objects. So it is best to find a location away from city lights for the best stargazing experience.Use stargazing apps as smartphone apps can help you identify constellations, stars, planets and help you navigate and learn the night sky. A good one to use is Stellarium.

 

April is a great month for stargazing, with plenty to explore from planets, to a meteor shower. Whether you might be gazing at a bright planet, marvelling at a full pink moon but isn’t pink. There is always something in the night sky for everyone to enjoy.

 

Clear Skies

 

Sonia