Actual Astronomy - The Observer's Calendar for April 2026
Digest
This podcast episode delves into the astronomical highlights of April, beginning with a discussion of winter's return and challenging weather. It then explores celestial objects like the double star Gamma Leonis (El Giba) and the full moon near Spica. Variable stars such as R Serpentis and TU Geminorum are mentioned, alongside opportunities to observe Sirius before sunset and galaxies like NGC 2903 and M48. The program also touches on the moon's proximity to Antares, NGC 3521, and Comet 24P/Shoemake. Notable events include the Lyrid meteor shower peaking around April 22nd, and challenging observations of a young moon and sungrazing comets. The episode concludes with a discussion of lunar features and an invitation for community engagement.
Outlines
April Celestial Events: Weather, Double Stars, and Lunar Highlights
The podcast begins by acknowledging the current weather conditions before diving into April's astronomical events. This includes discussions on the double star Gamma Leonis (El Giba), the full moon near Spica on April 2nd, and the challenging observation of Mercury's greatest elongation on April 3rd. Variable stars like R Serpentis and TU Geminorum are highlighted, as are opportunities to observe Sirius before sunset and galaxies such as NGC 2903 and M48. The moon's proximity to Antares and the galaxy NGC 3521 are also covered.
Comets, Meteors, and Lunar Features
This segment focuses on comets and meteor showers, including Comet 24P/Shoemake and the potentially bright but dangerous sungrazing comets A1 Mates and D1 Soho. The Lyrid meteor shower, peaking around April 22nd, is discussed with its expected rate and favorable dark skies. Lunar observations are also featured, with mentions of the last quarter moon revealing features like the Hipparchus ray, Mons Pico, and Beta, as well as the moon occulting Regulus and the visibility of eastern Maria and Clavius. The lunar straight wall is also noted.
Closing Remarks and Community Engagement
The hosts conclude the show, expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming spring observing season. They encourage listeners to subscribe, share the podcast, and submit their ideas, observations, and questions to foster community interaction.
Keywords
Gamma Leonis (El Giba)
A colorful double star in the constellation Leo, also known as El Giba, appearing as a pair of yellow stars.
Spica
A bright blue star in Virgo, near which the moon will be visible on April 2nd.
Mercury's Greatest Elongation
Mercury's maximum angular distance from the sun in the morning sky on April 3rd, though difficult to observe due to low altitude.
R Serpentis
A variable star in Serpens that reaches its peak brightness in early April.
Sirius
The brightest star in the night sky, observable before sunset in early April.
NGC 2903
A spiral galaxy in Leo, suitable for observation.
M48
An open cluster in Hydra, well-positioned for evening observation in April.
Antares
A bright orange star in Scorpius, near which the moon will be visible at dawn on April 6th.
NGC 3521
A spiral galaxy in Leo, recommended for observers.
Comet 24P/Shoemake
A periodic comet located in Ursa Major, currently around 10th magnitude.
Lyrid Meteor Shower
An annual meteor shower peaking around April 22nd, radiating from Lyra, with dark skies expected.
Sungrazing Comets (A1 Mates, D1 Soho)
Comets passing very close to the sun, potentially bright but requiring extreme caution for observation.
Lunar Features
Notable features visible on the moon during its phases, including the Hipparchus ray, Mons Pico, Beta, eastern Maria, Clavius, and the lunar straight wall.
Q&A
What are some notable double stars mentioned for observation in April?
The podcast highlights Gamma Leonis (El Giba), a pair of yellow stars in Leo, and 88 Leonis, a colorful double star also in Leo, located between two stars in its eastern triangle.
Can the moon be seen with bright stars in April?
Yes, on April 2nd, the moon will be near Spica in Virgo. On April 6th, the moon will be near the orange star Antares at dawn, offering opportunities to observe their contrast.
Are there any challenging celestial events in April?
Observing Mercury at its greatest elongation on April 3rd is considered tough due to its low altitude. Similarly, seeing the very young moon on April 17th will be challenging due to the bright sky.
What meteor shower is active in April?
The Lyrid meteor shower peaks around April 22nd. It offers a zenith hourly rate of about 18 meteors radiating from the constellation Lyra, with dark skies expected.
Are there any comets worth looking for in April?
Comet 24P/Shoemake is mentioned as a periodic comet in Ursa Major. Additionally, sungrazing comets A1 Mates and D1 Soho are discussed, though observing them requires extreme caution due to their proximity to the sun.
Show Notes
Hosted by Chris Beckett & Shane Ludtke, two amateur astronomers in Saskatchewan who enjoy teaching astronomy classes and showing the public views through their telescopes. actualastronomy@gmail.com
This month in episode 528 we talk about 3 Comets, two of which may end up being very bright. We also touch on some colorful double and carbon stars. There are many spring spirals we help listeners find as well as the Lyrid Meteor shower. This month the Moon pairs with Spica, Antares and the planets and at mid-Month a very young moon is visible for some listeners.
Gamma Leonis - Colorful double star
02 - Full Moon - Spica and Moon less than 4° apart
03 - Morning Targets:
- Mercury Greatest Elongation 28° from Sun in morning sky - Spring elongations are a disappointment for Mercury
- Long Period Variable star max for R Serpentis
05 - Spot Sirius unaided eye before sunset this week. 88 Leonis colorful double star
06 and later - NGC 2903, large 9th mag. spiral in Leo
M48 - 6th mag. open cluster well placed at the meridian
Moon and Antares at dawn less than 4° apart
08 - NGC 3521 - well placed 9th magnitude spiral galaxy in S. Leo
09 - Carbon Star TU Geminorum is best
10 & later - Last Quarter Moon and Lunar X visible and 10th magnitude comet hanging out in Ursa Major
Mid-April - Moon, Mercury, Neptune, Mars, Saturn all congregate in morning sky - they are LOW
17 - New AND ***** Very Young Moon visible 14.5hrs old for us here in Canada, 6th magnitude so a real challenge but west of us esp. West coast it'll be 17hrs old… that's very doable
18 - Venus and Moon under 5° apart
22 - Lyrid Meteors - ZHR 18 - best in pre-dawn skies
23 - Last quarter Moon & Hipparchus ray visible on Moon
24 - Mons Pico & Pico Beta (the "Brothers Pico") visible south of Plato
Long period variable carbon star SS Vir @ 11:00 pm
25 - Moon occults Regulus this evening, 6:45 pm for extreme S Canada & USA
25 - Eastern Mare 9:00 pm & Eyes of Clavius 9:00 pm
26 - Lunar Straight wall
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