Uncover the wonders of the night time sky this April 2024 with stargazing occasions starting from mesmerizing planetary conjunctions to a complete photo voltaic eclipse. Put together for charming encounters with the comet 12P/Pons-Brooks or the Lyrid meteor bathe.
Whether or not you’re a seasoned astronomer or a curious novice, get able to be enchanted by the celestial splendor awaiting you within the huge expanse above. Be part of us as we unveil the celestial spectacle of stargazing this April 2024, the place each night time holds a brand new cosmic marvel to behold.
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Record of Meteor Showers in April 2024
- Antihelion Supply: Begin on December 10; a number of peaks; finish September 10.
- Lyrids: Begin on April 16; peak on April 22; finish on April 25.
- π-Puppids: Begin on April 15; peak on April 23; finish on April 28.
- η-Aquariids: Begin on April 19; peak on Might 5; finish on Might 28.
We even have an entire listing of meteor showers for all the 12 months of 2024 right here.
Record of Planetary Conjunctions in April 2024
- Conjunction of Venus and Neptune in Pisces on April 3.
- Conjunction of the Moon and Mars in Aquarius on April 6.
- Conjunction of the Moon and Saturn in Aquarius on April 6.
- Conjunction of the Moon and Venus in Pisces on April 6.
- Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter in Aries on April 10.
- Conjunction of Saturn and Mars in Aquarius on April 11.
- Conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus in Aries on April 20.
- Conjunction of Mars and Neptune in Pisces on April 23.
April 2: The Sombrero Galaxy at its highest level within the sky
The Sombrero Galaxy, often known as Messier 104 (M104) or NGC 4594, is a peculiar galaxy of unclear classification situated within the constellation of Virgo. (See featured picture on the prime of this text.) It will get its title from its distinctive look resembling a Mexican hat, with a outstanding central bulge surrounded by a flat, disk-like construction of stars, mud, and fuel. The darkish mud lane that wraps across the galaxy’s bulge provides it the looks of a wide-brimmed hat.
The galaxy will attain its highest level within the sky at round midnight native time. It is going to attain obvious magnitude of 8.6, which implies it’ll require at the least a 4 inch telescope, however an 8 inch telescope is really helpful to have the ability to distinguish the bulge from the disk. The Moon can be a 22 days previous waning crescent at 44%.
The Sombrero Galaxy is barely bigger than our personal Milky Means at about 100,000 light-years in diameter. It’s situated 31.1 million light-years away within the Virgo II Teams, a collection of galaxy clusters and particular person galaxies stretching out from the southern fringe of the Virgo Supercluster.
April 3: Conjunction of Venus and Neptune
Venus and Neptune can be at conjunction by sharing the identical proper ascension and passing inside 17′ of one another.
Search for the 2 planets within the constellation of Pisces. Venus can be at obvious magnitude -3.9, and Neptune at 8.0. Venus can be seen to the bare eye however Neptune would require a telescope. The Moon can be a 24 days previous waning crescent at 30%.
April 5: The Jewel Field cluster at its highest level within the sky
The Jewel Field, often known as NGC 4755, is a well-known open star cluster situated within the southern constellation of Crux (the Southern Cross). It was found by the French astronomer Abbé Nicolas Louis de Lacaille throughout his expedition to South Africa within the mid-18th century. It was later named the Jewel Field by John Herschel as a result of its shiny and colourful stars, which give it a jewel-like look.
The cluster will attain its highest level within the sky at round midnight native time. It is going to attain obvious magnitude 4.2, which implies will probably be very tough to identify with the bare eye, so a pair of binoculars or a small telescope is really helpful for optimum viewing. The Moon can be a 25 days previous waning crescent at 13%.
Take into account that this cluster isn’t seen to these of us within the Northern Hemisphere, as Crux is a southern constellation.
The Jewel Field comprises roughly 100 stars, with lots of them being younger, sizzling, and large. The cluster is estimated to be round 16 million years old and is located 6,440 light years away.
April 6: Conjunction of the Moon and Mars
The Moon and Mars can be at conjunction by sharing the identical proper ascension and passing inside 1°58′ of one another.
Over an hour later, the 2 our bodies can even make a detailed method (appulse) reaching 1°45′ from one another, however now not sharing the identical proper ascension.
Search for the 2 our bodies within the constellation of Aquarius. The Moon can be a really skinny waning crescent (6%) at 27 days previous, very near new moon. Regardless of this, the Moon will nonetheless be at obvious magnitude of -10.3, whereas Mars can be at magnitude 1.2.
Saturn and Venus can even be close by making ready for their very own conjunctions with the Moon, Saturn a number of hours later and Venus the subsequent day. Take pleasure in stargazing at this beautiful quadruple gathering, this month of April 2024.
April 6: Conjunction of the Moon and Saturn
The Moon and Saturn can be at conjunction by sharing the identical proper ascension and passing inside 1°13′ of one another.
At across the similar time the 2 our bodies can even make a detailed method (appulse) reaching 1°04′ from one another, however not sharing the identical proper ascension.
The 2 celestial our bodies will meet within the constellation of Aquarius with the Moon at obvious magnitude of -10.1 and Saturn at 1.0. The Moon can be a 27 days previous waning crescent at 5%.
April 6: Conjunction of the Moon and Venus
The Moon and Venus will attain conjunction passing inside 23′ of one another whereas sharing the identical proper ascension.
At across the similar time the 2 our bodies can even make a detailed method (appulse) reaching 20.7 arcminutes from one another, however not sharing the identical proper ascension. In some elements of the world this distance can be so shut as to result in a lunar occultation of Venus, that means the Moon will move in from of Venus thereby hiding it from view quickly. For those who’re within the japanese coast of North America or in Central America, you’re in luck!
The Moon can be at obvious magnitude -8.4 and Venus at magnitude -3.9 each within the constellation of Pisces. (Constellation map already displayed above, when discussing the conjunction of Venus and Neptune.) By then, the Moon would have pale to lower than 1% of its dimension – a 28 days previous waning crescent solely a day away from new moon – and won’t intervene with stargazing this early to center April 2024.
April 8: Asteroid 532 Herculina at opposition
Asteroid 532 Herculina will attain opposition, when it lies reverse to the Solar within the sky. It is going to attain the best level within the sky round midnight native time.
On this event, the asteroid Herculina will move inside 1.352 AU of Earth and attain a peak brightness of obvious magnitude 9.1. Sadly even on the peak, this asteroid can be too faint to watch with the bare eye. You will want at the least a 4 inch telescope, which you need to level in direction of the constellation of Bootes. The Moon can be 29 days previous and a brand new moon and so won’t intervene with observations.
Herculina is a big asteroid of the primary belt at imply diameter of 167.79 km. It orbits the Solar at a semi-major axis of two.7695 AU. (Supply: NASA JPL Small-Body Database Lookup for 532 Herculina.)
April 8: Complete photo voltaic eclipse
A complete photo voltaic eclipse occurs when the moon totally obscures the Solar, displaying its beautiful outer environment, often called the corona. It is a uncommon, once-in-a-lifetime occasion.
The trail of totality will start within the Pacific Ocean and transfer throughout elements of Mexico and the japanese United States and a few small elements of japanese Canada (together with a sliver of southern Ontario, southern Quebec together with town of Montreal, in addition to elements of the maritime provinces.)
Don’t overlook to maintain your eyes secure with protecting gear reminiscent of a solar viewer. You also needs to apply a filter to your telescope or binoculars in the event you’re planning to make use of these. Make sure that the filters meet the ISO 12312-2 normal for secure viewing!
For extra info see the chart under from NASA’s eclipses web site:
April 10: Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter
The Moon and Jupiter can be at conjunction by sharing the identical proper ascension and passing inside 3°59′ of one another.
The 2 celestial our bodies will meet within the constellation of Aries with the Moon at obvious magnitude of -9.8 and Jupiter at -2.0. The Moon can be a 2 days previous waxing crescent at 9%.
April 11: Conjunction of Saturn and Mars
Saturn and Mars can be at conjunction by sharing the identical proper ascension and passing inside 28′ of one another.
At across the similar time the 2 our bodies can even make a detailed method (appulse) reaching 26.4 arcminutes from one another, however not sharing the identical proper ascension.
The 2 planets will meet within the constellation of Aquarius with an obvious magnitude of 1.0 for Saturn and 1.2 for Mars. The Moon can be 3 days previous waxing crescent at 11%. (Constellation map already displayed above, when discussing the conjunction of the Moon and Mars.)
April 11: Shut method of the Moon and the Pleiades
The Moon and the Pleiades (often known as M45 or Messier 45) will make a detailed method, passing inside solely 19.5 arcminutes of one another.
Each objects can be within the constellation of Taurus with the Moon being at obvious magnitude -10.3; and the Pleiades at 1.3. The Moon can be a 3 days previous waxing crescent at 14%.
April 14: Centaurus A at its highest level within the sky
Centaurus A, often known as NGC 5128, is a outstanding galaxy situated within the constellation of Centaurus roughly 11 million light-years away. It is likely one of the closest lively galaxies to Earth. It’s a member of the Centaurus A/M83 Group throughout the Council of Giants.
The galaxy will attain its highest level within the sky at round midnight native time. It is going to attain obvious magnitude 7.0, so a pair of binoculars or a small telescope is really helpful for optimum viewing. The Moon can be a 6 days previous waxing crescent at 36%.
April 14: Omega Centauri cluster at its highest level within the sky
Omega Centauri (NGC 5139) is a outstanding globular cluster situated within the constellation of Centaurus. It is likely one of the brightest and the second largest identified globular cluster within the Milky Means. It’s believed to have originated because the core remnant of a disrupted dwarf galaxy that has been swallowed by our personal galaxy.
The globular cluster will attain its highest level within the sky at round midnight native time. It is going to attain obvious magnitude 3.6, which is technically attainable to view with the bare eye beneath the most effective circumstances, however how typically does that occur? I’d positively advocate a pair of binoculars or a small telescope to see extra particulars. Look within the constellation of Centaurus close to the beforehand talked about Centaurus A galaxy. The Moon can be a 6 days previous waxing crescent at 36%.
April 15: Whirlpool Galaxy at its highest level within the sky
The Whirlpool Galaxy, often known as Messier 51 (M51) or NGC 5194, is a well-known spiral galaxy situated within the constellation Canes Venatici, roughly 23.5 million light-years away from Earth. It is likely one of the most recognizable and studied galaxies within the night time sky.
NASA, ESA, S. Beckwith (STScI), and The Hubble Heritage Staff (STScI/AURA).
The galaxy will attain its highest level within the sky at round midnight native time. It is going to attain obvious magnitude 8.4, which implies you want at the least a 4 inch telescope. The Moon can be a 7 days previous waxing crescent at 46%.
April 20: Conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus
Jupiter and Uranus can be at conjunction by sharing the identical proper ascension and passing inside 31′ of one another.
The 2 planets will meet within the constellation of Aries with an obvious magnitude of -2.0 for Jupiter and 5.8 for Uranus. (Constellation map already displayed above, when discussing the conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter.) The Moon can be 12 days previous waxing gibbous at 90%.
April 21: Dwarf Planet Haumea at opposition
At about midnight native time, the dwarf planet Haumea (minor-planet designation of 136108 Haumea) will attain the best level within the sky and be reverse of the Solar. Look within the constellation of Bootes with a big telescope, as it’ll have an obvious magnitude of 17.3. (Constellation map already displayed above, when discussing asteroid 532 Herculina at opposition.) At across the similar time Haumea can even attain its closest level to the Earth (perigee) at a distance of 49.09 AU.
Haumea is a dwarf planet situated within the outer reaches of our photo voltaic system, within the area often called the Kuiper Belt. It’s the third-largest identified trans-Neptunian object, after Eris and Pluto. Haumea is an elongated and comparatively fast-spinning object, with an rectangular form resembling a rugby ball or elongated potato. Its form is believed to be the results of a high rotational speed of only 3.9 hours. A hoop round Haumea has additionally been found, making it the one identified TNO with rings.
April 21: Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks at perihelion
The comet 12P/Pons-Brooks will attain perihelion, that means it’ll attain the closest level in its orbit to the Solar at a distance of 0.78 AU. It is going to have an obvious magnitude of 4.6, so an ordinary pair of binoculars ought to suffice to watch this comet. Look within the constellation of Taurus. (Constellation map already displayed above, when discussing the shut method of the Moon and the Pleiades.)
Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, is a periodic Halley-type comet in our photo voltaic system with an orbital interval of about 71 years. It was independently found by Jean-Louis Pons in 1812, and by William Robert Brooks in 1883.
April 22: Lyrid meteor bathe peak
The Lyrids will peak this April 2024 with a zenithal hourly charge of 18 meteors if stargazing circumstances are optimum. Sadly the Moon will intervene with observations as will probably be a 14 days previous waxing gibbous at 98%, near full moon.
Some meteors might also be noticed between April 16 and April 25. They’ll radiate from the constellation of Lyra however close to Hercules, on the velocity of 49 km/s on common.
April 23: Pinwheel Galaxy at its highest level within the sky
The Pinwheel Galaxy, often known as Messier 101 (M101) or NGC 5457, is a wonderful face-on spiral galaxy situated 21 million light-years away within the constellation of Ursa Main.
The galaxy will attain its highest level within the sky at round midnight native time. It is going to attain obvious magnitude 7.9, which you’ll want a telescope for optimum viewing. The Moon can be very near a full moon (99%) at 15 days previous waxing gibbous.
April 23: π-Puppid meteor bathe peak
The Pi Puppids are a small variable meteor bathe. The way forward for this bathe is unsure since Jupiter perturbed the orbit of the mum or dad comet in 1999. The meteors from this bathe originate from the comet 26P/Grigg-Skjellerup, which now orbits additional out from Earth.
Some meteors might also be noticed between April 15 and April 28. They’ll radiate from the constellation of Puppis on the velocity of 18 km/s on common.
April 23: Conjunction of Mars and Neptune
Mars and Neptune can be at conjunction by sharing the identical proper ascension and passing inside 2’14” of one another.
At across the similar time the 2 our bodies can even make a detailed method (appulse) reaching 2.1 arcminutes from one another, however not sharing the identical proper ascension.
The 2 planets will meet within the constellation of Pisces with an obvious magnitude of 1.1 for Mars and seven.9 for Neptune. (Constellation map already displayed above, when discussing the conjunction of Venus and Neptune.) The Moon can be 21 days previous waning gibbous at 69%.
Moon Phases in April 2024
As you realize, the Moon has a huge impact on the visibility of celestial our bodies and astronomical occasions within the night time sky. So that will help you with stargazing, right here’s a calendar of the phases of Moon for this month of April 2024:
Positions of the Planets in April 2024
Mercury: The closest planet to the Solar may be seen at daybreak and nightfall travelling throughout the constellation of Pisces. This planet, being the closest to the Solar, will seem to maneuver rapidly within the night time sky and its place will change within the following weeks.
Venus: The sister planet may be seen travelling throughout the constellation of Aquarius after which Pisces. Similar to Mercury, Venus can solely be seen at daybreak and nightfall.
Mars: The crimson planet may be seen within the constellation of Aquarius after which Pisces.
Jupiter: The fuel large is seen within the constellation of Aries. Jupiter can simply be noticed with the bare eye, even in extremely illuminated cities.
Saturn: The ringed large may be seen with the bare eye within the constellation of Aquarius.
Uranus: The ice large may be seen within the constellation of Aries with using a telescope.
Neptune: The blue large requires a telescope pointed within the constellation of Pisces so as to be seen.
Positions of Dwarf Planets and Massive Asteroids in April 2024
Ceres: The asteroid belt’s lone dwarf planet may be seen within the constellation of Sagittarius with the assistance of a telescope.
Vesta: This huge asteroid may be seen within the constellation of Taurus with a telescope.
Pallas: The asteroid may be noticed with a telescope within the constellation of Hercules.
Pluto: This distant dwarf planet may be discovered within the constellation of Capricornus with the assistance of a big telescope.
Main astronomical occasions subsequent month – Might 2024
- Might 5: η-Aquariid meteor bathe peak.
- Might 8: η-Lyrid meteor bathe peak.
- Might 17: Asteroid 2 Pallas at opposition.
- Might 19: Comet 46P/Wirtanen at perihelion.
- Might 31: τ Herculid meteor bathe peak.
Conclusion
Briefly, this month guarantees an array of celestial wonders, together with a complete photo voltaic eclipse, the Lyrid meteor bathe, and the perihelion of Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary alternative for unforgettable stargazing experiences this April 2024.
So, mark your calendars and don’t overlook to subscribe to our publication under to obtain our stargazing calendar in your mailbox. Pleased stargazing!
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