The month of April It already begins with a total solar eclipse — which, unfortunately, cannot be seen from Brazil. But if you’re looking for a special day to spend the night looking at the sky, save your anticipation for the Lyrid meteor shower, which should happen at the end of the month.
Below, check out the forecast of astronomical events in April. Here you can follow the 2024 year-round phenomenon calendarlisted by Giz Brasil.
April 8 – New Moon and Total Solar Eclipse
The first astronomical event of the month takes place on the 8th, with the arrival of the new phase of the Moon. This time, it will be at its perigee, that is, at the closest point to the Earth. When it is full, that means seeing it bigger.
However, as in its new phase it is on the same side as the Sun, the Moon will not be visible in the night sky. Therefore, as there is no light to interfere, this is the best time of the month to observe faint objects, such as galaxies and star clusters.
On the same day, a total solar eclipse takes place. In other words, the Moon will not only be on the same side of the Earth as the Sun, but it will also block the king star completely. This reveals the Sun’s beautiful outer atmosphere, known as the corona.
Unfortunately, the phenomenon will not be visible in Brazil – it will only appear in North American countries. But it is possible to follow broadcasts online.
April 22nd and 23rd – Lyrid Meteor Shower
At the end of April, the second meteor shower of the year takes place. According to records, Lyrids are dust particles left behind by comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher. It was discovered in 1861.
In general, they are an average shower, which produces around 20 meteors per hour at its peak, which this year happens on the night between April 22nd and 23rd.
But there are two bad news. The first is that on that date the Moon will be almost completely in its full phase, so its luminosity will block the view of most meteors. Experts say it will only be possible to see the brightest ones.
And there’s another problem: The Lyrid meteor shower’s focal point is far to the north in the sky. Therefore, the Southern Hemisphere will see fewer shooting stars. However, look for a location away from the city lights and you might see some of them.
April 23 – Full Moon
On the second peak day of the Lyrid meteor shower, the Moon enters its full phase. This is because it will be located on the opposite side of the Earth in relation to the Sun, so its face will be completely illuminated.
