April is going to be a month with several astronomical surprises, including the first meteor shower of the year, a Pink Moon, and a partial solar eclipse. Here we tell you where and when you’ll be able to enjoy these astronomical moments that will undoubtedly be beautiful and worth admiring.
So schedule these dates and don’t miss these events.
Pink Moon – April 16th
The first astronomical event of this month is the Pink Moon. On April 16th this will be visible to the northern hemisphere sky, only for a couple of days. According to NASA, this change in the appearance of the moon is due to the position with respect to the Sun and the Earth, because we must remember that this satellite does not emit light by itself, but rather reflects the sun.
Because of its position relative to the Sun and the Earth, the Moon may appear up to 30% larger than the size we are used to seeing it. At certain periods of its elliptical journey, this satellite has points of closest approach to the Earth, and this time will be at its perigee, the point in its elliptical orbit that is closest to the Earth.
The Moon doesn’t change its hue, however, it’s named after the color of the pink moss of the Phlox, which is one of the spring flowers.
This event only occurs in the fourth month of each year and the days may vary.
It’s recommended to be in a place with a little light pollution and stop using screens such as cellphones, computers, and television half an hour before so that the eyes can adjust to the darkness.
Lyrid Meteor Shower – April 22nd and 23rd
This is the first meteor shower of each year and historically it’s the oldest meteor shower on record; it has been observed for more than 2,700 years according to NASA.
Is a set of comet debris that is named after the constellation they come from, Lyra. In cities with less light pollution, this astral formation can be seen during the darkest nights.
This shower is expected to start on the 15th and last until the 23rd, however, the highest concentration of these celestial bodies as they pass close to the Earth will be possible to see on the evening of the 22nd.
Partial Solar Eclipse – April 30th
The first solar eclipse of 2022 will also occur this April and will be visible from the Southeastern Pacific and in southern South America.
This eclipse has been named ‘Saros 119′ describing its periodicity and frequency, this kind of eclipse can happen up to 5 times a year, but they are not always visible worldwide.
The eclipses in this series occur at the Moon’s ascending node, it moves southward with respect to the node with each succeeding eclipse in the series and the distance of the Moon’s shadow axis from the Earth’s center in units of earth radii decreases.
Remember to protect your eyes in case you have the opportunity to witness this event.
