Series of Sky Shows at the End of April, Comets to Planetary Conjunctions

JAKARTA – April is the right time to observe star clusters, moons, comets and even planetary conjunction displays. This natural wonder can be seen with the naked eye and a star telescope.

However, weather factors and minimal light pollution are key factors in enjoying this spectacular sky show.

Reporting from Forbes, Thursday (18/4/2024), at the end of April bright stars such as Orion, Gemini and Taurus were still visible in the western sky. Below it, closer to the horizon, is not only Jupiter but also a passing comet, 12/P Pons-Brooks, which this week will reach its brightest point.

The following sky shows can be seen at the end of April 2024:

1. Thursday, April 18: Moon and Regulus

The convex moon with a brightness level of 80 will shine 3.6 degrees from Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo after dark in the eastern night sky. Regulus, which means star on the lion’s chest, is the 21st brightest star in the night sky.

2. Saturday, April 20: Jupiter and Uranus Conjunction

A giant planet and the bull’s eye planets will appear to meet after sunset, with only 30 arc minutes between them. However, to observe this celestial phenomenon you need binoculars to see the small, vertically ringed Uranus, which will be 1,500 times dimmer.

3. Sunday, April 21: Brightest Comet Pons-Brooks

The twelfth comet ever discovered and roughly the same size as Halley’s Comet, Pons-Brooks has been visible to the west just after dark so far this month. Now the comet is getting lower on the horizon, but on Sunday night, it will be at its brightest. To see it requires clear skies, a low view to the southwest, and binoculars.

4. Leo Star Cluster

The Leo star cluster begins to rise after the sun sets in the east. Its appearance is easy to recognize because of the bright star cluster that appears to form a lion. First, look for Regulus on one of the lion’s front legs and second, Denebola at the tip of its tail. Both are relatively close to the sun, Regulus at 79 light years and Denebola at 36 light years.

(msf)