April-The month of amateur astronomers

Hello Guys,

         April, a great month to watch many astronomical events and you don't need any expensive instrument to experience these events all you need is a clear dark sky and information of what to look for.

So now straight to the point i.e what to look for.

We have three major event this month:
1. On 9th April( IST )  mars opposition will take place i.e sun mars and earth will be in same alignment.
     Mars will be closest to the earth at this point of time but not as closest as it has been in 2003.
   

Courtesy: NASA

You can watch mars opposition live on slooh.com or here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkcAuQXyouA&hd=1.

2. Lunar Eclipse: A total lunar eclipse will occur on April 15th.

 Continents which will be able to see eclipse will be North America, some parts of South America and West asia.

Legends:

  Intense Red: People in this region can observe full lunar eclipse from beginning to end. 

  No colour:    People in this region will not be able to see the eclipse.

3. The last major astronomical event for the month will be Lyrid Meteor Shower. This event takes place every year in the month of april and usually can be observed between 16-25th april, This year this meter shower will be at peak on 22nd April. 

           A comet name thatcher left a trail of debris and during this time of year earth passes through it thus causing meteor shower.

When and where to see these events:

1. Mars can be seen throughout the night after 7 pm approximately all you have to do is look east and you will see a star which will be slightly red in colour( you can easily identify it just look east at about 30 degrees) .

2. Lyrid meteor shower can be seen between 16-25th April but will be at its peak at 22-23rd April. You guys can see it with your naked eyes. At an average you can see 10-20 meteoroids per hour.

  The best time to see it at midnight all you have to do is to go to the rooftop and stare at the sky for about 5 minutes do that your eyes can adapt to the night sky and just wait.

 Best of Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!! and happy meteor hunting. 

For any queries feel free to comment or mail us at amateurastronomyclub@gmail.com.