For those with a penchant for celestial observation, April offers a wealth of planetary spectacles. Throughout the month, our neighboring planets will illuminate the night sky, featuring lunar-planetary conjunctions in early April and a captivating planetary-lunar pyramid formation preceding May.
Complementing these events is a meteor shower capable of producing fireballs and one of the year's diminutive full moons, providing ample reasons for nocturnal or early-morning viewing. Equip yourself with stargazing binoculars and seek out a suitable dark-sky observation site. The following are the month's premier celestial events.
From pink micromoon to Lyrid peak: are you ready for April's cosmic wonders?
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April 2: lunar crescent with Jupiter
Following sunset on April 2, observe the crescent moon and Jupiter in the western sky. The pair will appear within a palm's width of each other, as indicated by the stargazing application SkySafari. This tandem celestial movement can be viewed through binoculars until approximately midnight local time, when they descend below the western horizon.
April 5: lunar conjunction with Mars
The moon continues its journey this month. On the evening of April 5, it'll approach the bright orange Mars in the southwestern sky. This pairing can be witnessed immediately after sunset, moving together across the sky until their descent below the northwestern horizon around 4 a.m. local time.
April 11-13: pre-dawn visibility of Venus, Mercury, and Saturn
Set early alarms for the weekend of April 11-13. Venus, Mercury, and Saturn will present a striking display above the eastern horizon approximately 30 to 40 minutes before sunrise each morning. Venus will ascend first, easily discernible due to its brightness. Saturn and Mercury will follow shortly thereafter. Although nearly imperceptible, Neptune will also rise with this planetary gathering. For optimal viewing, select a location with an unobstructed eastern horizon, such as a lakeside.
April 12: full pink micromoon
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At 8:22 p.m. Eastern Time on April 12, stargazers can witness one of the year's smaller full moons. This phenomenon, known as a "micromoon," contrasts with the widely discussed supermoon, occurring when the moon is at its apogee. It'll appear slightly dimmer and smaller than usual. Despite the "pink moon" designation, this month's micromoon won't exhibit a pink hue. This nomenclature originates from the emergence of the vibrant creeping phlox ground cover in North America around this period, as noted by The Old Farmer's Almanac.
April 21: Mercury's greatest western elongation
Mercury will attain its maximum angular distance from the sun, or greatest western elongation, at 3 p.m. Eastern Time on April 21. This presents the optimal opportunity to observe the swift planet, which is often obscured by the sun's glare. Observe Mercury above the eastern horizon approximately 45 minutes before sunrise on April 21, as well as the preceding and subsequent mornings. Venus and Saturn will also be visible around this time.
April 22: Lyrid meteor shower peak
The Lyrid meteor shower occurs from mid to late April, peaking in the pre-dawn hours of April 22. While not the most prolific shower – producing approximately 18 meteors per hour under dark skies, according to NASA – the Lyrids are known for their rapid and vivid shooting stars, potentially including fireballs. For optimal viewing, travel to a dark-sky location or stargazing hotel distant from urban illumination. Focus on the constellation Lyra, particularly the bright star Vega. For those observing throughout the night, the eastern horizon will reveal Venus, Saturn, and Mercury before sunrise.
April 25: planetary-lunar pyramid
Venus, Saturn, and Mercury continue to offer captivating displays this month, culminating in a final awe-inspiring alignment. Before sunrise on April 25, the waning crescent moon, Saturn, and Venus will form a near-perfect pyramid above the eastern horizon, with Mercury nearby.
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