Eyes to the Skies for April: Lyrids meteor shower and a launch window for Artemis II
wtop.com • • science
Key Points:
- April 2026 offers several notable sky events, including the brightening of Venus in the western sky after sunset and the Lyrids meteor shower peaking after midnight on April 22, with minimal moonlight interference.
- The moon will occult the bright star Regulus, the heart of Leo the Lion, on April 25, an event best viewed with binoculars or a telescope.
- Key lunar phases this month include the full pink moon on April 1, last quarter on April 10, new moon on April 17, and first quarter on April 26.
- Several planets are visible: Jupiter shines brightly after dark, Venus is prominent in the western dusk sky, Mercury appears low in the eastern dawn late in the month, while Mars remains near the sun's glare.
- Astronomy enthusiasts in the D.C. area can attend events such as the NOVAC General Meeting at George Mason University and public viewing sessions at Turner Farm in Great Falls, Virginia, with additional resources and star charts available to aid stargazing.
