5 Astronomical Events in April 2023

April 2023 will be bliss for skywatchers as they can catch various astronomical events this month, from meteor showers to the four main phases of the moon. 

The Rise of Mercury

On April 11, the smallest and fastest planet Mercury will reach its highest and become visible in the evening sky. It will be visible in the northern hemisphere during nights between April 3 to April 11.

Venus & Pleiades Star Cluster

On April 11, Venus will also put on a show. It will be next to the Pleiades star cluster. People can witness the bright planet nestled between the constellations Hyades and Taurus. 

Phases of Moon

In April 2023, we'll be able to witness the four phases of the moon. The full moon will be visible on April 6, the thrid-quarter on April 13, and the new moon on April 20. Furthermore, we'll be able to notice the first-quarter moon on April 27. 

Moon & Planet Pairings

Earth's moon will encounter three bright planets in our solar system. On April 15 and 16, the crescent moon will rise with Saturn. On April 23, the slim crescent moon will hang five degrees above Venus. Lastly, on April 25, it will find its way over to Mars. All these events will be visible at night. 

Lyrid Meteor Shower

On April 23, the Lyrid meteor shower, a medium-strength shower which can produce 20 meteors per hour under ideal conditions, will peak in the pre-dawn hours.