The Night Sky This Week: April 29-May 4, 2024 This week sees the peak of one of the best meteor showers of 2024.
With the night sky free from strong moonlight this week, it’s the ideal time of the month to go outside and look up after dark.
Here’s everything you need to know about stargazing and astronomy this week: Monday, April 29: Mars And Neptune Rise before the sun and look east for a lovely sight—Saturn and Mars.
However, whatever time you find Mars, put some binoculars on it because, just to its upper right, will be the eighth planet Neptune.
Wednesday, May 1: Last Quarter Moon A Last Quarter Moon is an important time of the month for stargazers.
Saturday, May 4: Saturn, Moon And Mars If you’re up early again, look to the east before sunrise, and you’ll see an even more slender 19%-lit waning crescent moon between Saturn and Mars.
The best display of “shooting stars” since December’s Geminids, the Eta Aquariids meteor shower results from a debris stream deposited in the inner solar system by Halley’s comet.
Find a location with a clear, unobstructed view of the night sky.
I select the stars that are best for stargazing, astronomy, eclipses, and more for North America’s mid-northern latitudes every Monday. These selections also apply to other parts of the northern hemisphere. For more in-depth articles, check out my main feed.
This week’s night sky is April 29–May 4, 2024.
One of 2024’s greatest meteor showers peaks this week. The American Meteor Society states that the Eta Aquariids, which are brought on by Halley’s comet, can produce up to 50 “shooting stars” per hour, with a peak of 10 to 30 per hour more likely. They run from April 15 to May 27 and peak on the evening of May 4-5.
This week is the best time of the month to walk outside after dark and look up at the sky since there isn’t much moonlight in the night sky. This week, learn everything there is to know about astronomy and stargazing:.
Monday, April 29: Neptune and Mars.
When the sun rises, head east to see Saturn and Mars, a beautiful sight. Mercury is also an option if you wait until roughly 40 minutes before sunrise. Put some binoculars on Mars, though, whenever you find it, as the eighth planet, Neptune, will be directly to its upper right. It’s a unique opportunity to locate this far-off world with ease.
Wednesday, May 1st: Last Quarter Moon.
For stargazers, the Last Quarter Moon is a significant time of the month. When a moon that is half-lit (and less) rises after midnight, the early evening skies are free of moonlight pollution. All of the celestial bodies—stars, nebulae, and galaxies—will appear brighter. Using a telescope, binoculars, or your own eyes is the ideal option right now.
May 3, Friday: Saturn and the Moon.
A waning crescent moon, illuminated at a rate of 29%, can be seen less than a degree away from the “ringed planet” if you look east before sunrise. The distance between an outstretched finger and the sky is that wide.
Mars, Moon, and Saturn on Saturday, May 4.
A further slimmer, 19 percent-lit waning crescent moon can be seen between Saturn and Mars if you get up early enough to look eastward before sunrise.
May 5, Sunday: Peaks of the Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower.
This morning’s early pre-dawn hours will see the peak of the Eta Aquariid meteor shower, which is expected to produce 20 to 30 meteors per hour (and up to 50, if some predictions come true). It will take place under clear, moonless skies. Halley’s comet has left behind a debris stream that is deposited in the inner solar system, resulting in the greatest show of “shooting stars” since December’s Geminid meteor shower.
Seeing a meteor shower is this month’s top stargazing tip.
NASA has provided these guidelines for observing meteor showers.
Steer clear of urban light pollution as much as you can.
Locate yourself somewhere where you can see the night sky clearly and unhindered.
It can get very cold, so wear warm clothing.
Have patience and observe for a minimum of thirty minutes, ideally while sitting in a recliner or on a ground pad.
Reducing your chances of seeing “shooting stars” with binoculars or a telescope is not recommended. “.
Your night vision will be severely impaired if you look at your phone or any other white light. Only use the red light.
Mid-northern latitudes are covered by the times and dates provided. Stellarium and The Sky Live are two online planetariums that provide the most accurate location-specific information. Verify the times of sunrise, sunset, and moonrise and moonset.
Clear skies and big eyes are what I wish for you.
