When to look at the night sky

The flow of lyride over Germany in 2020

Photo: Mario Hommes/Defodi Images/Getty Images

With the onset of spring in the northern hemisphere, the earth becomes shorter. This is a good news for those who get up early, but bad for lovers to watch the stars.

And yet, in April, the night sky will please those who want to see bright cosmic phenomena, writes Popular Science.

During the month, attentive observers in the sky will be able to witness the annual meteor flow, the distant galaxy, the active movement of Jupiter and the first full month of spring, which will surprise the unusual size.

That’s what you should pay attention to this April.

April 1 and 2 – Jupiter and Moon « Visit » to the constellation of Taurus and the cluster of galaxy stars

At the beginning of the month, Jupiter will be especially bright in the western sky. Next to him, the naked eye can see the growing moon. Both cosmic bodies will be visible in about the same area of ​​the sky as the constellation of Taurus – oriented for 30° from the horizon.

On the first day of April, the moon will « lie » over a bright star cluster of a galaxy, also known as standing.

This area of ​​space is located 440 light years from the solar system and contains a large amount of foggy material and more than a thousand stars, at least six of which can be seen with the naked eye.

Cluster found Reflection in the myths and literature of different cultures, including Greek and Japanese. Since ancient times, the appearance of Pleiade in the sky has marked the discovery of seasons of navigation and agriculture.

April 4 – visible distant galaxy Mescier 94

In early April, attentive observers in the sky will be able to see the remote galaxy of Massier 94, which is located 17 million light years from Earth in the constellation of hounds of dogs.

This spiral system of stars and gas is also called « cat’s eye » for its special shape. The reason for this feature believe A longitudinal wave that moves out of the galactic center. Scientists suggest that this pressure affects gas and dust in the external areas of the system, which leads to their folding into denser clouds.

Mescier 94 is located to the north of the celestial equator, so it is best to observe it from the northern hemisphere. The galaxy can be seen with a small telescope or binoculars with an aperture (one of the characteristics of optical devices) from 40 to 50 millimeters.

April 12 – full pink month in miniature

The first full month in April is called pink not because the satellite becomes such a color, but from the name of the flowers of mountain phlox, which usually blossom this month.

During this period, the Earth’s satellite is as far away from our planet, which is why it is visually relatively small in the sky. This is because the moon moves with an orbit that has an elliptical shape, so its distance to the ground changes during the year.

The nearest super moon, when the satellite is at the next distance to our planet, is forecast for November.

April 21 and 22 – Predicted Peak of Meteor Rain Lyrida

The annual meteor flow of lyride is expected to begin on April 21, and its peak will fall in the second half the next day.

This year, a bright event coincides with time with a full moon period, which will complicate the observation of the flow. Therefore, it is best to see the fall of space stones when the satellite of the Earth has not yet come down above the horizon or is already hidden behind the visible.

Meteor rain can be observed without additional devices. It is best to do this in cloudless weather and as far as possible from the sources of light contamination, such as the light of cities.

We used to tell about the forecast magnetic storms on April 2025.