What to watch for astronomy lovers in April. In April, Russian residents will see the “elusive” Mercury, the “opposition” of Jupiter and a meteor shower
The sun, shining brightly throughout the night in the constellation Virgo. Mercury will be visible in the evening sky until mid-month. Venus can be found near the eastern horizon in the morning. Mars observed at dawn in the constellation Aries. Saturn visible at night and morning in the constellation Sagittarius. Uranus gradually lost in the evening twilight, approaching the Sun. Neptune begins the period of its morning visibility in the constellation Aquarius.
Moon will approach the indicated planets: April 11 at night with a full moon - with Jupiter, April 17 at night with a lunar phase of 0.74 - with Saturn, April 23 in the morning with a lunar phase of 0.17 - with Neptune, April 24 in the morning with a lunar phase of 0.03 - with Venus, April 26 in the afternoon with a lunar phase of 0.00 - with Mercury and Uranus, April 28 in the evening with a lunar phase of 0.06 - with Mars. For observations, it is better to choose nights when the Moon does not pass near the observed planet near its full phases.
Visibility conditions are given for the middle latitudes of Russia (about 56° N). For cities to the north and south, the celestial bodies will be located at the indicated time, respectively, slightly lower or higher (by the difference in latitude) relative to their places in the Bratsk sky. To clarify the local visibility conditions of planets, use planetarium programs.
MERCURY moves in the same direction with the Sun through the constellations Pisces and Aries, on April 10 it passes the stationary point and begins to move backward across the sky. At the beginning of the month, the duration of evening visibility of Mercury is about 1.5 hours, but by the middle of the month the planet will disappear in the light of the setting Sun. This is Mercury's most favorable evening visibility in 2017. On April 20, the planet will pass inferior conjunction with the Sun, moving into the morning sky.
The elongation of Mercury at the beginning of the month is 19 degrees, at conjunction 1.5 degrees, growing to 15 degrees by the end of the month. Mercury's apparent size increases from 7 to 11 arcseconds as it falls from -0.1m to +10m (at conjunction) and to +2.6m by the end of the month. The phase of Mercury decreases from 0.41 before the “new moon” (in conjunction) and to 0.1 per month. To successfully observe Mercury during periods of visibility, you need binoculars, an open horizon and a clear twilight sky.
Mercury in the evening sky in the first half of April 2017
VENUS moves backward through the constellation Pisces, changing its movement to direct on April 12. The planet is visible in the twilight morning above the northeastern horizon for no more than half an hour.
The angular dimensions of the planet's disk decrease from 57 to 38 arcseconds. The planet's phase increases from 0.03 to 0.27 with increasing brightness from -3.3m to -4.8m. The elongation of the planet increases from 13 to 39 degrees . A telescope shows an increasing crescent with a simultaneous decrease in the size of the planet, because The distance between Venus and Earth is gradually increasing.
Venus in the morning sky April 2017
MARS has direct movement along the constellations Aries and Taurus, gradually approaching the Sun. It can be observed in the evenings for about 2 hours above the western horizon. The planet's brightness is +1.5m, and its angular size is about 4".
For observations, a telescope with a lens diameter of 60-90 mm is required. The best time to observe details on the disk of Mars is the moment of opposition, which occurs every two years. At other times, Mars appears through a telescope as a tiny reddish disk with no details. The closest opposition of Mars will occur on July 27, 2018 (Great Opposition!).
The position of Mars in the evening sky in early April 2017
P position of Mars in the evening sky in the second half of April 2017
JUPITER moves backward through the constellation Virgo (above *Spica), approaching the moment of opposition on April 8. The gas giant is visible throughout the night and in the morning (about 9 o'clock). The angular diameter of the giant planet in the sky reaches 44 arcseconds on the day of opposition, and its brightness reaches -2.5m. This is the best month for observing Jupiter in 2017.
Jupiter's position in the night sky in April 2017
Through binoculars, four bright satellites of the giant are visible - due to the rapid orbital motion, they noticeably change their position relative to each other and Jupiter during one night (the configurations of Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto can be found in astronomical calendars or in planetarium programs).
The telescope distinguishes stripes (northern and southern equatorial stripes), shadows from satellites periodically pass across the disk of the planet, as well as the famous huge oval cyclone GRS (Great Red Spot), making a full revolution along with the planet’s atmosphere in 9.5 hours. The current longitude of the BKP can be found on the website http://jupos.privat.t-online.de/rGrs.htm. The BCP appears approximately 2 hours before passing through the meridian and disappears 2 hours later (goes beyond the disk).
Moments of the passage of the BKP through the central meridian of Jupiter in APRIL 2017 (universal time UT)
To get the time for Bratsk, you need to add 8 hours to universal time
Current longitude of BKP 265°
| 1 07:00 16:55 2 02:52 12:48 22:44 |
3 08:37 18:33 4 04:30 14:25 5 00:22 10:18 20:14 6 06:07 16:03 7 02:00 11:55 21:51 8 07:44 17:40 9 03:37 13:33 23:28 |
10 09:22 19:17 11 05:14 15:10 12 01:07 11:03 20:59 13 06:52 16:47 14 02:45 12:40 22:36 15 08:29 18:25 16 04:22 14:18 |
17 00:15 10:10 20:06 18 05:59 15:55 19 01:52 11:48 21:43 20 07:37 17:32 21 03:29 13:25 23:21 22 09:14 19:10 23 05:07 15:03 |
24 01:00 10:55 20:51 |
SATURN passes the stationary point on April 6 and begins a retrograde movement, moving through the constellation Sagittarius. The planet is observed for over 3 hours at night and in the morning above the southeastern and southern horizon. The angular diameter of Saturn increases from 16 to 17 seconds of arc at a magnitude of +0.4m. The best period has arrived in 2017 for observing the ringed planet, which will last until August, because... Saturn approaches its opposition on June 15th.
In a small telescope, the ring around the planet and the satellite Titan (+8m) are clearly visible. The apparent dimensions of the planet's ring are about 40x16 arcseconds. Currently, the planet's rings are open to 27° and the northern pole of the gas giant is illuminated by the Sun.
Saturn's position in the night sky in April 2017
URANUS moves in the same direction with the Sun in the constellation Pisces near *Zeta Pisces (5.2m). The overturned planet is visible only in the first ten days of the month for about half an hour in the evening twilight in the western sky, then the planet is lost in the light twilight. The planet's brightness is +5.8m with an angular diameter of 3".
During periods of opposition, Uranus can be observed with the naked eye in a clear, transparent sky, in the absence of illumination from the Moon (near the new moon) and away from city lights. In a 150-mm telescope with a magnification of 80x and higher, you can see the greenish disk (“pea”) of the planet. The satellites of Uranus have a brightness less than +13m.
The path of Uranus among the stars in 2017 (search map)© Blog of Fedor Sharov
Declination of the central luminary Sun gradually increases, reaching 15 degrees by the end of the month, and the length of the day quickly increases from 13 hours 07 minutes to 15 hours 23 minutes at the latitude of Moscow. The midday altitude of the Sun will increase over the month at this latitude from 38 to 49 degrees. Long twilight periods in mid- and northern latitudes leave little time for deep dark skies (a few hours).
Moon will begin to move across the April sky in the constellation Taurus near the Hyades. On April 3, the new moon will visit the constellation Orion. During this period, the Moon rises to its greatest height above the horizon. The bright lunar disk will be in the constellation Gemini from April 3 to April 4, taking on the first quarter phase here. In the constellation Virgo, the Moon on April 11 will enter the full moon phase near Jupiter and the star Spica. On April 15 and 16, the Moon will move through the constellation Ophiuchus, showing off in the night sky low above the horizon and gradually decreasing its phase. Having completed an almost three-day journey through the constellation Sagittarius, the crescent moon will move into the constellation Capricorn on April 19, entering the last quarter phase. On April 25, the thin month will approach Mercury and Uranus, and the next day it will take on the new moon phase already in the constellation Aries. In the evening sky, the Moon will appear in the constellation Taurus on April 27 in the form of the thinnest crescent, which will decorate the western sky, also being near the perigee of its orbit. On April 28, the growing month will approach Mars, and then once again cover the stars of the Hyades cluster.
Planets of the Solar System visible to the naked eye. Mercury moves all month near the border of the constellations Pisces and Aries. On April 20, Mercury will enter into inferior conjunction with the Sun and move into the constellation Pisces, remaining there until the end of the month. You can observe the fast planet against the backdrop of evening twilight for up to an hour and a half! This is the most favorable evening visibility in 2017. In the second ten days of April, Mercury quickly decreases its brightness and elongation, hiding in the rays of the setting Sun. Venus moving backwards through the constellation Pisces. On April 12, the planet will change its motion from retrograde to forward. The Morning Star is observed during twilight hours. In the first half of the month, Venus surpasses all other planets in the solar system in apparent size. Planet Mars observed in the evening over the western horizon for about two hours. Mars is gradually moving away from Earth, and the opportunity to see the planet near opposition will appear only next year. Jupiter moves backwards through the constellation Virgo, gradually approaching its opposition - April 7. The gas giant is observed throughout the night with a visibility duration of about 9 hours. Saturn moves in the same direction with the Sun along the constellation Sagittarius, switching to retrograde motion on April 6. The ringed planet can be found in the night and morning skies over the southeastern and southern horizons and has a visibility of more than three hours.
From comets Visible in April from the territory of our country, three comets will have an estimated brightness of about 10m or brighter: Encke, Johnson (C/2015 V2) and P/Tuttle-Giacobini-Kresak (41P). Comet Encke, with a maximum estimated brightness of 8m, moves through the constellation Aquarius. Skywalker Johnson (C/2015 V2) moves through the constellation Hercules, with an estimated magnitude of about 8m. P/Tuttle-Giacobini-Kresak (41P), with a maximum estimated magnitude of about 7m, is moving north along the constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, Draco and Hercules.
Among the asteroids the brightest in April will be Vesta (7.6m) and Ceres (8.9m). Vesta moves through the constellations Gemini and Cancer, and Ceres moves through the constellations Aries and Taurus.
Among the major meteor showers On April 22 at 15:00 the maximum action will reach the Lyrids (ZHR= 18) from the constellation Lyra. The moon during the period of maximum of this stream has a phase close to the new moon, so the conditions for observing the Lyrids this year are very favorable.
Each of us at least once admired the stunning spectacle of star rain. Knowing the dates of starfalls in 2017 in advance, you will be able to make the most of these events and not miss a single star shower.
For a long time, starfall has been considered a mystical event, captivating with its beauty and grandeur. Contemplation of the starry sky helps to achieve inner harmony, and when you see a shooting star, you can make any wish that will surely come true.
Quadrantids in January 2017
Lyrids starfall in spring 2017
This year the Lyrid shower should be expected in April, from the 16th to the 25th. The constellation Lyra has been giving us this stunning spectacle for several centuries. In 2017, the peak of the meteor shower will occur on April 21, and the overall intensity of meteor falls will decrease compared to last year.
Energetically, this April starfall is perfectly compatible with the fulfillment of desires related to self-development and creativity. At this time, it will be easiest to start learning a new hobby or gain useful skills.
When will the Aquarids starfall occur?
Aquarids are a meteor shower divided into three types:
- Eta Aquarids: The shower can be seen from April 19 to May 28, 2017;
- Delta Aquarids: Meteor shower runs from July 12 to August 23;
- Iota Aquarids: This meteor shower will begin on July 1 and end on September 18.
The energy of the Aquarids starfall is extremely strong: this shower of meteors brings fundamental changes, inspiration and love. During these three starfalls, you can fulfill your deepest desire and completely change your life and destiny.
2017 Perseid meteor shower
The Perseid meteor shower is the most famous and brightest. In the coming 2017, it can be seen from July 18 to August 24, and the peak of activity with the fall of more than 250 meteors per hour will reach August 11-12. It is better to admire this spectacle of incomparable beauty away from the city and sources of street lighting: the ideal solution would be a trip to the village or a country trip with an overnight stay in nature.
The energy of the Perseid meteor shower is extremely powerful and requires careful handling. For example, astrologers recommend that during this period of time you carefully weigh your every word and even thought, since such a bright starfall can attract into your life absolutely everything that you say or think about while experiencing strong emotions. At this time, empathy will help more than ever: you will be able to better understand those around you and avoid many troubles.
Draconids in autumn 2017
The Draconid glow can be observed annually from October 7 to 12: although this meteor shower is very brief, it is unusually bright and has a strong energy. This year, the peak of starfall activity will occur on October 8, and the intensity will reach 20 meteors per hour.
The Draconids were given to us by the constellation Draco, and on a subtle level they extremely sharpen the sense of justice. During this period, it is extremely easy to “break the woods”, unable to cope with your own emotions, or to fall into melancholy from the general injustice of the world. Astrologers and psychics recommend not starting new businesses and not making fateful decisions at this time. You can take care of yourself and your needs, give warmth, care and attention to your loved ones, and also pay more attention to the beauty around you.
Orionid meteor shower
This starfall is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful. The Orionids in 2017 will begin their movement on October 2 and end around November 7-8. The speed of falling meteors in the stream is very fast, and the intensity of the meteor shower will reach 15-20 meteors per hour.
The energy of the Orionids is tough, fast, impulsive. Emotions will break through even in the most restrained and cold-blooded people, feelings will be intense, and words will be hot and sincere. Try to be frank with yourself and your loved ones at this time, because sometimes a frank conversation can correct even the most difficult situation.
Leonids in 2017
Typically, the Leonids are far from the brightest meteor shower: the flow rate reaches no more than 10 meteors per hour. But this year we'll see a spike in this meteor shower, which occurs every 33 years. The Leonids will be much brighter than usual, and the rate of meteor showers could reach 20-30 per hour. Such a spectacle will be beautiful in the cold autumn sky: you can watch the starfall from November 8 to November 28, 2017.
Energetically, the Leonids perfectly contribute to creative inspiration: at this time poetry is best written, paintings are created and the art of meditation is comprehended. Don’t be afraid to create and express yourself: your work will bring very real results.
When can you see the Geminids in 2017?
The Geminids are a major stellar shower that ends the calendar year. It will be possible to observe this meteor shower from December 4 to 17, and it will reach its peak of activity on the 13-14th. This time the shower will pass through the constellation Gemini: this means that the meteor shower will be best seen in the Northern Hemisphere.
The energy of the Geminids will contribute to restorative practices and the fulfillment of desires: at this time, the beginning of any creative process will be especially good and successful. Try to look for answers about your purpose and path at this particular time: the energy of the meteor shower will help you receive comprehensive information at the subconscious level.
The starry sky contains many attractive secrets, and only some of them have been unraveled by astronomers and astrologers. It is no secret that the stars directly influence our lives, and for it to be happy, it is necessary to be in harmony with lunar and stellar energy. Will be a good help with this
April, mid-spring! The time when the day grows by leaps and bounds. Every day the Sun rises higher in the sky, and if at the beginning of the month the night was still fighting with the day for dominance, then at the end of April the first signs of white nights appear in temperate latitudes.
The bright winter constellations also quickly leave the starry sky. Taurus, Orion, Canis Major and Canis Minor, Auriga and Gemini - all these constellations in the first half of April are still clearly visible in the evenings in the west, but at the end of the month almost all of them will go beyond the horizon.
What is the sky like before the eyes of an observer in April? First of all, it very dark. There are few bright stars in the April sky, and the eye of a person just starting to study the constellations simply has nothing to grab onto - most of the spring constellations are so inconspicuous.
Dark April sky. Drawing: Stellarium
Therefore, first it makes sense to describe the position of the bright stars in April. Based on them, you can remember the drawings of the main spring constellations and thus learn to navigate the April sky.
Bright stars in April
So, mid-April, evening. The most expressive picture of the sky at this time of day is observed in the west. Here, winter constellations tend to the horizon, containing many bright stars.
But in 2018, the brightest burning planet in the west is the beautiful planet Venus, which becomes visible almost immediately after sunset in the constellation Aries.
In the April evening sky in 2018, the first thing that catches your eye is Venus, which shines in the rays of the evening dawn. Drawing: Stellarium
Above the remnants of the evening dawn shines a yellowish Chapel. Lower her orange Aldebaran, leading the constellation Taurus (on ancient maps this star marked the red eye of an angry bull). Just east of these two stars, the beautiful seven-star Orion, led by a bright red star, sets beyond the horizon Betelgeuse. Two fairly bright stars above Orion - Castor And Pollux, leading the constellation Gemini. They are located to the left of the Chapel and slightly above it. Floating low in the southeast, shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow, Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky. Above it, halfway between Castor and Pollux, another bright star is visible. This Procyon, alpha Canis Minor.
By the end of April, only Capella, Procyon, and the twin brothers Castor and Pollux will remain from this beautiful picture. The remaining stars will go beyond the horizon.
Now let's look south. One more or less bright star is visible here. Her name - Regulus, is the main star of the constellation Leo. Two more bright stars are in the southeast - orange Arcturus and bluish Spica. All together they form a huge triangle, inside of which there is nothing memorable. True, in different years this starless kingdom is decorated with bright planets. So, in 2016, Jupiter was located in the constellation Leo (next to the star Regulus), and in 2027, Jupiter and Mars will appear simultaneously in the same constellation. Also, the Moon moves along the Regulus - Spica line every month. In April, our satellite moves from Regulus to Spica, moving from the first quarter phase to the full moon.
Mid-April, evening, southern sky. The discreet spring constellations of Leo, Virgo, Hydra, Chalice and other huge areas. Regulus, Spica and Arcturus are the three bright stars of this part of the sky. Drawing: Stellarium
Finally, two more bright stars are visible near the horizon in the northeast. This Vega And Deneb, the top two stars, which will shine high in the southern sky from August to October.
What constellations are visible in April?
Now let's look again to the west, where in early and mid-April, as darkness falls, a good dozen stars of 2nd magnitude or brighter are visible. First of all, the constellation of Orion attracts attention, which is easily recognizable thanks to the seven stars that form the figure of a mythical hero: the bright red star Betelgeuse and the white star Bellatrix mark the shoulders of the hunter, three stars in a row - Alnitak, Alnilam and Mintaka - form, and the two lower stars - Saif and bright Rigel are his legs.
Western sky in April an hour after sunset. Bright winter constellations are setting. Drawing: Stellarium
The constellation Gemini is two chains of stars running from Castor and Pollux to the horizon. They can quite easily be recognized as figures of two brothers standing in an embrace. The constellation Taurus consists mainly of the bull's head and its horns, which are marked by not very bright stars between Orion and Capella. The constellation Canis Major in April almost completely went beyond the horizon, and the constellation Canis Minor consists of only one bright star, Procyon.
But these are all winter constellations that disappear from the night sky during April.
Spring constellations, which are visible in the south and southeast in April, due to their inexpressiveness, it makes sense to look for, starting from the three main stars, Regulus, Spica and Arcturus.
Neighborhood of the constellation Leo. Drawing: Stellarium
It is headed by the constellation Leo, which can be recognized by its characteristic trapezoid of four stars. Regulus marks the lower right corner of the trapezoid, and the lower left corner is marked by the 2nd magnitude star Denebola.
The trapezoid is the torso of Leo, and his head is made up of three more dim stars, forming, together with Regulus, the “Sickle” asterism. The animal seems to lie in the sky, sensitively peering towards Orion and other winter constellations.
To the right and below the trapezium of Leo there is a vast space filled with rather dim stars. The brightest of them is headed by the Hydra constellation, which is known for occupying the largest area in the sky among all 88 constellations. In the city, the Hydra constellation is difficult to see; Let's just say that it is a long chain of dim stars, part of which at the latitudes of Moscow, Kyiv and St. Petersburg remains below the horizon.
North of Hydra are three unremarkable constellations. The most inconspicuous of them - the Sextant - can hardly be seen in a big city. The same can be said about the constellation Chalice, but the constellation Raven, floating low above the horizon, can be recognized by its characteristic compact quadrangle.
The main star patterns of the evening sky in April: Ursa Major, the stars Arcturus, Spica and Regulus. Drawing: Stellarium
If we raise our heads up, we will see the constellation and the famous . The scoop itself faces the winter constellations and, in particular, the star Capella in the west, while the handle of the scoop points to the bright orange star Arcturus, which is in the southeast on April evenings. This is one of the three brightest stars in the spring sky (together with Regulus and Spica) and, by the way, the brightest of them.
Arcturus heads the constellation Bootes, which is recognizable by the dome pattern of 5 stars above Arcturus, reminiscent of an opening parachute over a parachuting star. Continuing the line leading from the handle of the Big Dipper to Arcturus, downwards, we come to Spica, the third star of the first magnitude in the April sky.
Spica is a hot bluish-white star, but in mid-latitudes it never rises high above the horizon and therefore often twinkles and shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow, like Sirius. She leads the constellation Virgo. This rather large constellation consists of dim stars of the 3rd and 4th magnitude. The brightest star after Spica, Epsilon Virgo, is located on the continuation of the base of the trapezoid Regulus - Denebola, and the only at least somewhat memorable constellation pattern is formed by Spica and three more stars - a large irregular quadrangle.
Continuing the line Regulus - Denebola we will come to the star Epsilon Virgo, which has the beautiful name Vindemiatrix. Drawing: Stellarium
Between the trapezium of Leo and the “parachute” of Bootes, above the constellation Virgo and under the handle of the Dipper, there is a vast starless space. Only outside the city, on a dark and transparent night, the eye can discern a scattering of dim stars forming the constellation Coma Berenices. In this constellation, powerful telescopes observe thousands of galaxies similar to the Milky Way. Finally, above the constellation Coma Berenices, directly below the handle of the Bucket, another fairly bright star is visible almost at the zenith. It is the brightest star in the small constellation Canes Venatici, which also contains a large number of distant galaxies.
View of the April starry sky at different times of the day
We described the appearance of the starry sky in April, its constellations and its brightest stars. But this description refers to evening time, an hour or two after sunset. How does the starry sky change in April over time?
As you know, the picture of the starry sky, together with all the stars, the Moon and planets, moves during the day from left to right, that is, from east to west, reflecting the rotation of the Earth. In an hour the picture moves by 15°, in three hours - by 45°, in six hours - by 90° (a quarter of a full revolution). Since the April night in mid-latitudes lasts about 9 hours (at the beginning of the month it is longer, at the end of the month it is shorter), during this time the picture of the constellations has time to change significantly.
Late at night in April, the constellations Corona Borealis, Hercules, Serpens, Ophiuchus, Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius are visible in the south. Note the bright planets Jupiter, Mars and Saturn visible along the horizon. Drawing: Stellarium
At midnight, the constellation Leo moves to the west. The stars Arcturus and Spica are now visible in the south. The constellations Libra, Serpens and Ophiuchus rise in the southeastern part of the sky. To the east of Arcturus a compact chain of stars is visible, forming a semicircle. This is the constellation Corona Borealis. To the left of this small constellation is the vast constellation of Hercules, and even further to the east are the bright white stars and. With the exception of Vega and Deneb, no new bright stars appear in the sky. As we have already said, the April sky is very sparse in expressive constellations.
Late at night, the northern part of the constellation Scorpius appears over the horizon, along with the bright red star Antares. Scorpio and its main star are visible very low above the horizon in the south, under the constellation Ophiuchus. It is precisely because of its low position that Antares is often not noticed by people living at the latitude of Moscow or St. Petersburg.
Leo, Virgo, Libra, Ophiuchus and Scorpio - it is through these constellations that the path of the Sun, Moon and planets lies against the background of the stars. Therefore, it is not surprising that bright planets appear from time to time in these constellations, distorting the usual star patterns. In April 2018, bright Jupiter is in the constellation Libra. Mars and Saturn can also be seen in the morning sky - low above the horizon in the constellation Sagittarius. (This constellation is adjacent to the eastern borders of Scorpio and Ophiuchus.)
Predawn sky in April 2018 (April 15 at 4-5 am), southeastern part. At this time, it is very easy to find the summer triangle formed by the stars Vega, Deneb and Altair. The constellation Cygnus is also very expressive. Drawing: Stellarium
If you are lucky with the weather and you are away from city lights, then in the pre-dawn hours look to the east, where the Summer Triangle rises at this time. In the constellations Cygnus and Aquila, you can admire the Milky Way - the very parts of it that will be visible overhead on dark August and September evenings.
In April of this year, 5 planets, 5 asteroids brighter than +10 magnitude* and three comets will be available for observation.
MoonOn April 4 the first quarter begins, on the 11th there is a full moon, on the 19th there is a last quarter and on the 26th there is a new moon. On April 11, the Moon will pass close to Jupiter, and on April 28, there will be a very close conjunction of the Moon and Aldebaran, the brightest star in the constellation Taurus (see figure). The latter phenomenon will be difficult to observe due to its low position above the evening horizon.
Mercuryyou can try to find it at the beginning of the month in the west near the horizon within an hour after sunset. The planet's brightness gradually decreases from +0.8 to +4.
Venus visible in the morning before sunrise as a very bright white star in the east in the constellation Aries, later Pisces. The planet's visibility period is gradually increasing. Even through binoculars, Venus will appear as a small, thin crescent. People with perfect vision will be able to distinguish the crescent of Venus with the naked eye. The planet's brightness is -4.5
Mars visible low in the west, north-west for 2.5 hours after sunset at the beginning of the month, at the end of the month for 1.5 hours as a not very bright orange star. The planet moves through the constellations of Aries and Taurus. Planet brightness +1.5.
Jupiter can be observed all night as a bright yellow star in the constellation Virgo in the southeast, south, southwest. Already through binoculars, the Galilean satellites are visible near Jupiter: Ganymede, Callisto, Europa and Io. Gloss -2.3. On April 11, the Moon will pass near the planet.
Saturn visible in the second half of the night in the southeast as a fairly bright star in the constellation Sagittarius. The planet's brightness is +0.4. Through binoculars and a small telescope, the satellite Titan is visible near the planet.
Uranus
Neptune not visible due to its proximity to the Sun.
In April, 5 asteroids have a magnitude greater than +10: Vesta(constellation Gemini and Cancer, +7.8), Ceres(constellation Aries and Taurus, +9.0), Irena(constellation Leo, +9.9), Victoria(Virgo constellation, +9.9) and Amphitrite(constellation Leo, +10.0). To find all asteroids you need binoculars, often a telescope and a star map. Any asteroid in a telescope looks like an ordinary star, which moves among the stars day by day.
Comets available for observation will be: Tuttle-Giacobini-Kresaka(magnitude +7, constellations Draco and Hercules, all night), Encke(magnitude +8 and below, within an hour after sunset), Johnson(magnitude +8, all night, constellation Hercules). To find all the mentioned comets you need a telescope and a star map. Comets in a telescope are visible as gray hazy spots of varying brightness and size. The presence of a tail is optional.
Image: Stellarium, Moon-Aldebaran conjunction.
* “magnitude” or “stellar magnitude” of a celestial object is a measure of its brightness. The lower the magnitude, the brighter the celestial object. Accordingly, if we say “brilliance increases,” then its numerical value decreases. Thus, the Sun has a magnitude of -26, the full Moon -12, the stars of the Ursa Major bucket on average +2. A person in urban areas sees stars up to magnitude +4, in rural areas up to +6. The limit of binoculars (in the absence of sky illumination) is +8...+10, of a small telescope (in the absence of sky illumination) +12..+13.
