Stargazers will be delighted to learn a wealth of exciting celestial sights will be on display throughout April.
Kochab, a red giant star located approximately 130 light-years away, can also be identified this month.
Known to be at least 120 times more luminous than our sun, its brilliance can be observed distinctly through binoculars.
For those with a telescope and access to a suitable dark area away from street and security lights, the Virgo Galaxy Cluster presents another stunning view.
Although located 50 million light years from Earth, this cluster comprises approximately 2,000 galaxies, one or two of which can be visible through binoculars.
Venus, located in Taurus, becomes more observable towards the end of the month, especially on April 23.
On this date, Venus will appear below the open cluster known as the Pleiades and will come within one degree of the much fainter planet Uranus.
Binoculars should be able to capture both planets in the same field of view.
Mighty Jupiter will also be visible in early evenings during the first week of April, steadily moving closer to the Western horizon.
The April Lyrid Meteor Shower, an annual occurrence, is expected to take place between April 14 and April 30, with its peak predicted on April 22 and 23.
The meteors will appear to emanate from the bright star Vega in the constellation of Lyra.
An individual observer may have the luck to observe six to ten meteors per hour.
The Moon will also have its share of appearances this month: it will be full on April 2, in its last quarter on April 10, new on April 17, and in its first quarter on April 24.
April also presents a unique opportunity for stargazers to trace the Milky Way arm of our galaxy.
Starting from the South-Western Horizon to the left of our brightest star Sirius, it passes into Gemini, cuts through Cassiopeia and Cygnus, and finally reaches the North-Eastern Horizon.
Almost overhead is the Plough, part of the constellation Ursa Major.
Its two brightest stars, Dubhe and Merak, also known as the pointers, will help guide you to the pole star, Polaris.
For more exciting news and updates about the night sky, you can visit http://www.barryastronomical.wordpress.com.
Your backyard will be your window to the cosmos.
Share