This week's night sky is bursting with beauty — from the moon's dazzling Aristarchus Plateau to a planetary trio lighting up the eastern dawn. Venus, Mercury, and Saturn form a tight lineup before sunrise, while April's Pink Moon — the smallest full moon of the year — occurs on Saturday and even briefly hides the star Spica for lucky viewers.
Here's what to watch for and how to make the most of it!
Catch the bright crater Aristarchus near the moon's terminator tonight. With a telescope, you can trace the winding Vallis Schröteri across the rugged Aristarchus Plateau.
Look east before sunrise to spot brilliant Venus above Mercury and Saturn, side-by-side. Best viewed from tropical latitudes where the planetary trio climbs higher in the sky.
April's mini full moon peaks tonight and briefly hides the bright star Spica for parts of Central and South America and southern Africa. Observers elsewhere can look out for Spica shining close to the moon.
The moon will look particularly dazzling all week as it approaches the full moon phase on Saturday, April 12. The moon will be fully illuminated during the evening hours of April 12, at 8:22 p.m. Eastern Time (0022 GMT on April 13), though local moonrise and moonset times depend on your location. This month's full moon will occur less than 23 hours before its monthly apogee, making it the smallest full moon of the year!
Feeling inspired to take a more in-depth moonlit tour of our rocky companion? Our ultimate guide to observing the moon will help you plan your next skywatching venture, whether it be exploring the lunar seas, mountainous terrain, or the many craters that blanket the landscape. You can also see where astronauts, rovers and landers have ventured with our Apollo landing sites observing guide.
Cloud-dodging eclipse chasers in New Brunswick and Québec, Canada, captured the solar horns, reflections and all kinds of weird views as the sun rose partially eclipsed.
Here are the best telescopes for a range of different purposes and budgets — beginner to smart telescopes and everything in between. Keep your eyes peeled for deals, too.
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