Astronomical Observation in April

Spring advances and if the weather and clouds allow us, one of the best times of observation arrives. The most pleasant temperatures and even skies with good visibility offer the observer the opportunity to clearly observe the night sky panorama.

Although it is true that no extra event stands out if we can give a first map of what we can see this month. And attention because the Easter holidays arrive, an unbeatable opportunity to look up.

To start the month we have New Moon on April 5, an astronomical panorama in low light and ideal for many types of observation, especially that of a deep sky.

The full moon will be on April 19 at 11: 13h, coinciding with Easter. If the weather is good and with a good moon filter it will be a good opportunity to see its craters.

Finally, the waxing quarter is expected on April 12 and the waning quarter on April 26. No lunar eclipse is expected this month.

Bad time to observe the Milky Way, since we have it very inclined, touching the horizon at midnight. The winter sky, with Charioteer, Gemini and the Minor Dog are retreating and Virgo, Lira and Leo appear.

The second fortnight of the month, attention, because Las Líridas, a meteor shower produced by the tail of Comet Tatcher, are presented, the maximum activity will be between April 22 and 23. The handicap will be the presence of a Moon that is still very bright, so it is recommended to observe them in the first 2 hours of the night.

Mercury: On the 11th it reaches the maximum western elongation, the widest in 2019. It will be visible the first fortnight of April in the East-Southwest direction, before sunrise.

Venus: Visible during dawn in the east-southeast direction, in the environment of Aquarius the first fortnight and Pisces in the second.

Mars: It can be seen in the first part of the night towards the West-Northwest.

Jupiter: It leaves from the East-Southwest at midnight and is visible until dawn, especially at the end of the month.

Saturn: Visible at dawn in the environment of Sagittarius, heading South-South-East