April's Must-See Celestial Events: A Pink Moon, Meteor Shower, and More

April's Must-See Celestial Events: A Pink Moon, Meteor Shower, and More

Skywatchers are in for a treat this April, as the night sky will showcase four remarkable celestial phenomena. Highlights include a pink full micromoon and a rare planetary alignment that resembles a "celestial smiley face."

Among these events, the most spectacular will be the Lyrid meteor shower, recognized as one of the oldest known meteor showers. This dazzling display begins in mid-April, reaching its peak toward the month's end.

For optimal viewing, all events will be visible after sunset, though visibility will vary based on location and weather conditions.

April 12: The Pink Full Moon

On Saturday, April 12, at precisely 8:22 p.m. ET, the sky will be graced by a pink full moon, which will also be classified as a micromoon.

Due to its position at the farthest point in its orbit from Earth, this full moon will appear slightly smaller than usual, as explained by Timeanddate.com. Despite its name, the pink moon isn't actually pink; the title originates from moss pink, also known as wild ground phlox, an early spring bloom that carpets landscapes in vivid hues.

April 21-22: Lyrid Meteor Shower Peak

This year, the Lyrid meteor shower is expected to reach its peak on April 21-22. According to the American Meteor Society, the moon will be at 40% brightness, which may impact visibility. For the best viewing experience, stargazers should aim to observe the shower on the evening of April 21 before the waning crescent moon ascends.

Under ideal conditions, the Lyrids typically produce between 10 and 15 meteors per hour, but on rare occasions, this number can surge to as many as 100 meteors per hour, as noted by NASA.

The Lyrids' Celestial Origin

The Lyrid meteor shower originates from Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher. Each April, Earth crosses the comet's debris trail, resulting in the mesmerizing meteor shower that illuminates the night sky.

April 25: A Celestial Smile from the Moon, Venus, and Saturn

In the early hours of April 25, approximately 30 minutes before sunrise, skywatchers will witness a unique triangular alignment. A waning crescent moon will position itself alongside Venus and the faint Saturn, forming a celestial smile across the eastern horizon. This phenomenon, detailed by EarthSky, will be a rare sight for early risers.

April 27: A New Supermoon—A Hidden Marvel

The closest new supermoon of the year will occur on April 27, with the moon reaching a distance of 221,917 miles from Earth—nearly 17,000 miles closer than its average distance of 238,900 miles, according to EarthSky.

Unlike full supermoons, new supermoons don't garner as much attention since they remain invisible to the naked eye. This phase of the moon is darkened, making it imperceptible from Earth, yet its gravitational influence remains significant.

Get Ready for an Astounding April Night Sky

With these spectacular celestial events on the horizon, astronomy enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to. Whether observing a glowing meteor shower or a planetary alignment, April promises breathtaking sights for stargazers around the world.