April Sky Shines with 3 Prime Astronomy Events

Posted: April 3, 2021 9:17 am

The calendar has flipped over to April, bringing a new month of astronomy events to the world. Here is what will be on tap for the month of April when you look up to the skies.

Pyramid of Light: Do not miss viewing the pyramid of light that will still be visible over the first few nights of the month. This zodiacal light can be seen in the western skies shortly after sunset for those in the Northern Hemisphere. People living in the Southern Hemisphere will need to look to the eastern sky right before the sun rises.

Because it can be challenging to find, it is recommended to head away from the city lights and into a dark area. This phenomenon is only visible twice per year, so make sure to check it out while you still can. If you miss it, it will be back again near the time of the September equinox.

Lyrid Meteor Shower: Avid astronomers will be eager to catch the first meteor shower in almost four months. The Lyrid meteor shower will be visible on the night of April 21 and into the early hours of the 22nd. What better way to celebrate Earth Day than by enjoying some of the most spectacular displays of Mother Nature? It is not uncommon to spot up to 20 meteors per hour during this show. Onlookers may also get a glance of a fireball or two streaking across the night sky.

Super Pink Moon: The April Super Pink Moon is just the first in a series of supermoons that will grace the sky over the year 2021. This particular full moon will appear in the sky on April 26 and 27, eclipsing what we have seen so far from the full moons this year. This full moon is known as the Pink Moon, despite the fact that it does not actually appear pink. The name comes from the pink ground phlox, traditionally one of the first wildflowers to break through the cold ground in the early spring.

Mark Your Calendars: While it is still three years away, astronomers are already looking forward to what is in store for April 2024. A total solar eclipse is on tap for April 8, 2024. This will mark the first total eclipse since the one that captured the attention of the nation on August 21, 2017.

This particular eclipse will be visible from a wide swath of land stretching from Texas up to Maine. Many major population centers will be in the path of totality, including Dallas, Cleveland, Indianapolis, and Buffalo. Some areas will experience the eclipse for a period of four minutes.

You might want to start making your plans now to see the 2024 eclipse. The next one after that event will not happen until August 23, 2044.

While the warmer overnight temperatures may encourage some people to get outside and put their eyes to the night sky, it is important to realize that the frequent cloud cover of the month may obscure some viewing opportunities. Be sure to check your local forecast for the most accurate weather information so that you can plan accordingly.

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