Monthly Stargazing Calendar for April 2016
On the night of April 22 and 23 the Lyrids meteor shower will peak. It is an average shower, usually producing about 20 meteors per hour at its peak, although some meteors may be seen any time from April 16 to 25. It originates from dust particles left behind by comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, which was discovered in 1861.
Monthly Stargazing Calendar for April 2013
This month will be quite eventful and will have many interesting astronomical events. First of all, on April 14 we will witness the conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter. The Moon will appear to pass about two degrees of the giant planet Jupiter in the evening sky. The crescent moon will be at magnitude -10.6 and Jupiter at magnitude -2.1. Then on the night of April 21 and 22 the Lyrids meteor shower will peak. The Lyrids is an average shower, usually producing about 20 meteors per hour at its peak. It originates from dust particles left behind by comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, discovered in 1861. These meteors can sometimes produce bright dust trails lasting for…
Monthly Stargazing Calendar for April 2012
On April 15 the planet Saturn will be at Opposition. The ringed giant will be at its closest approach to the Earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the Sun. It will be the best time to view and photograph Saturn and its moons.
Monthly Stargazing Calendar for March 2012
On March 3, Mars was at opposition. The Earth passed Mars as the two planets wheeled around the sun in their respective orbits. This time the opposition was an unfavorable one because Mars was at aphelion on February 15, which means it was at its farthest point from the sun.
Monthly Stargazing Calendar for April 2011
Featured astronomical event Lyrids Meteor Shower: The Lyrids are an average meteor shower with about 20 meteors per hour at their peak on April 21 and 22. These meteors can produce bright dust trails that last for several seconds. The shower is most spectacular during the peak on April 21 and 22, but some meteors can still be spotted from April 16 to 25. The meteors will be radiating from the constellation of Lyra after midnight. A dark viewing location far from city lights is recommended since this year, the gibbous moon will hide most of the fainter meteors in its glare. Moon phases As you know, the Moon has…
