Astronomy in April

    I love astronomy.  It is the one science that I have loved as long as I can remember.  April has some excellent astronomy happenings and holidays.  So let's take a look at what is happening this month.

April 12 Yuri's Night

Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin was the first person in space.  That happened in 1961.  That was 53 years ago.  Yuri's Night is a celebration of humanity in space.  Check out the official sites about page for more info and history.  There are parties all over the world so see if there is one near you.

April 15  Total Lunar Eclipse 

Check out the map and data sheet to see if this event will be visible in your area.

April 22 & 23 Lyrids Meteor Shower 

It seems the moon will not be in our favor for this viewing, but give it a shot anyway.  Last year I managed to catch a great view of one of the Perseid meteors.  The tail lasted for a few seconds and the meteor traveled across 100 degrees of the sky.  It was so much fun to see.  I will try to see a few more meteors this month.

April 26 - April 27  The CosmoQuest 2014 Hangoutathon 

In order to raise 'money to build a more scientific future' they are running 36 hours of live streaming astronomy.  Check it out.

April 28 International Astronomy Day  

What better day to go out and look up at the sky or read up on the stars and planets?

April 29 Annular Solar Eclipse 

This event is only visible if you live on the coast of South Africa, the eastern coast of Australia, or if you live on Antarctica.  Here is the data sheet on this event.  So if you live in Australia and want to see an eclipse, save the date.


    For more information on astronomy that is happening in April check out this post from Cosmo Quest.  Ready For Global Astronomy Month?

    Also The Sky has a great Astronomy Calendar of Celestial Events.  This is my quick go to for what is happening in the sky.

    Have fun looking up into the sky.  There is so much to see up there.  And there is so much to learn.  Until next time stay nerdy.