This month of April will feature several episodes for those who like to observe the sky. There will be a Lyrid meteor shower, the passage of comet 12P/Pons-Brooks and much more.
Residents of the United States, Mexico and Canada will still be able to take advantage of April to observe a total solar eclipse. The phenomenon will take place on the 8th and unfortunately will not be seen in Brazil.
In this total solar eclipse, the Moon, Sun and Earth are completely aligned. Because of this, the sun’s rays are blocked and it is a phenomenon long awaited by scholars.
Devil’s Comet has a gigantic tail
But Brazilians will be able to contemplate other beauties in the night sky this April. Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, popularly called the Devil’s Comet, can even be seen using binoculars.
The comet got its nickname because it has a horn shape, caused by the pressure of solar radiation. It also has a gas and dust tail that makes its look even more incredible.
Early evening is the best time to see the comet
The Devil’s Comet will reach its closest point to the Sun on April 21st, but it will only reach its maximum brightness on the 23rd. During this period it can be seen mainly in the early evening, further west.
On the 22nd of this month, anyone who stays awake during the early hours of the morning will be able to watch the Lyrid meteor shower. It is necessary to pay attention further north in the sky and, if possible, in a place without artificial lighting. And to close the month, on April 30th the planets Mercury, Mars and Saturn will be seen aligned just before dawn, further east.
Keep reading Report Error
