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April’s Night Sky: Unleashing the Magic of Shooting Stars, a Pink Moon, and Mars
As we bid farewell to March, which witnessed a lunar and solar eclipse, April is poised to deliver its own brand of celestial excitement. The month may not be as action-packed as March, but it still has plenty in store for stargazers across the Northern Hemisphere. Let’s dive into the top highlights you won’t want to miss:
1. **Lyrid Meteor Shower**: Get ready to witness a spectacular display of shooting stars on April 21-22. As the waxing gibbous moon sets before midnight, the dark sky will provide an ideal backdrop for spotting 10-20 meteors per hour.
2. **Full Pink Moon Rising**: On April 12th, we’ll be treated to a rare and distant ‘micro moon’ as it reaches its peak illumination. This ‘Pink Moon’ has been named after the sprouting of pink moss phlox and will offer a unique viewing experience with Spica shining next to it.
3. **Mars in the Sky**: As April progresses, Mars will begin to rise in the eastern sky, providing stargazers with an unparalleled opportunity to observe this fascinating planet up close. With its unique red hue, Mars is sure to captivate the imagination of even the most novice observer.
4. **Venus Returns as Morning Star**: As we enter late April, Venus will start to rise as a bright ‘Morning Star’, offering a breathtaking sight by gazing east about an hour before sunrise.
To ensure you get the most out of your stargazing experience in April, remember to consult online planetariums like Stellarium and use sunrise/sunset calculators tailored to your specific location. Clear skies are essential for the best viewing experience, so keep those fingers crossed!
Stay tuned for more updates on astronomy, astronomy events and night sky guides by following me on Twitter or LinkedIn. For exclusive insights and in-depth articles, visit my website.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2025/04/01/see-a-shooting-stars-a-pink-moon-and-mars-aprils-night-sky/
