The Night Sky

Welcome To The April Edition Of The Night Sky

Before we get into all that April has to offer, did any of you lovely fellow stargazers manage to spot the close conjunction of the planets Jupiter and Venus at the start of March? Did anyone take a picture? I for one would love to see any images taken, so please do post them on our Facebook page which you can explore at @Astronomy and Astrophotography France.

Through April we can look out for a number of highlights. On the 9th and 10th it will be possible to spot the planet Venus close to The Pleiades star cluster. Look towards the west after dark as the two bright objects set together. We can prepare for another annual meteor shower which will peak between the evening of the 22nd and the morning of the 23rd. Read on to find out more about The Lyrids and find out how it may be possible to see a little more of the Moon on the 21st. Prominent constellations to observe this month include Leo, Gemini and Hercules. Within the constellation of Hercules you can look for the prominent 'Keystone' asterism (star pattern) where, with binoculars or a small telescope, you could spot the bright M13 Star Cluster.

The Moon Phase and Observing tips

Full Moon phase - 6th around 5.30 a.m.

Last Quarter phase - 13th just after 10 a.m.

New Moon phase - 20th just after 5 a.m.

First Quarter phase - 27th after 10 p.m.

On the 21st of the month the Moon will be showing a very thin (approximately 2 %) phase. We observe the same side of the moon at all times, but not completely the same. Because of a slight wobble in the Moon's movements - caused by its tilt and shape of orbit - we do see a little more at times. This effect is called 'Libration' taken from the latin word 'Libra' meaning scales. Look to the eastern limb and you may spot a few more details around the very edge of the Moon.

Planet activity this month

Mercury is quite close to the Sun at this time and better observed towards the start of April as it will set a couple of hours after the Sun.

Venus will be shining brightly in the western evening skies and sets four hours after the Sun. Try to spot it near The Pleiades on the 10th.

Mars is fading now as it drifts further out in its orbit but can be spotted just below an almost first quarter Moon on the 28th.

Unfortunately Jupiter is too close to the Sun now for observing and Saturn too is close to a rising Sun so is not best placed for observing either.

Meteor ShowersVirginids and Lyrids

We talked about the Virginids last month and they will continue to be active during the first three weeks of April. Another meteor shower returning to our skies are The Lyrids. The peak of activity for this shower is expected to be between around 7pm on the 22nd and the morning of the 23rd. All of these meteors will seem to radiate out from the area of the sky where the constellation of Lyra is found. The bright star of Vega, which is the lead star of this constellation, will point the way. These meteors are fairly fast and peak when the Moon is out of the way, thus making observing conditions very favourable.

During the peak dates the maximum hourly rate is anticipated to be around 15. Remember to head outside half an hour in advance to allow your eyes to become dark adjusted.

Virtual Space trip for the MonthThe Dark Side of the Moon

We are about to travel - in space time - a mere 1.28 light-seconds. So, it won't take long if you want to join us. This, our first

ByClaire Wardlaw

Claire Wardlaw, originally from Edinburgh, lives in the Charente with her husband. Since their move nearly 6 years ago, Claire has become passionate about astronomy virtual trip, will take us to the side of the moon which we never see from Earth. So why, I hear you ask, can we never see the other side of the Moon? Well, the Earth is 81 times more massive than the Moon and so, over time, has slowed the orbit of the Moon down. It used to complete one orbit in only a few hours but now it completes an orbit in a little more than 27 days. At the same time, the Moon spins on its own axis. It completes a spin in just over 27 days! So, one face will always be hidden from us. Unless you join us on our trip, to the 'dark side'. The view will be a bit different around there. We will see, as we fly by, the only 'Sea' or Mare present called 'The Mare Orientales' (Eastern Sea). We can view the craters and peaks around the vast rim of this 'Sea' but we will notice a lack of large mountain ranges which are more typically observable on the other side back on Earth. We are making our return trip to Earth now, but we look forward to welcoming you on another 'Virtual Space Trip' soon!

Space News In Brief

In April 2023 it is expected that the European Space Agency will send their Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, or JUICE, off to Jupiter. Upon entering orbit around Jupiter in 2031, JUICE will make detailed observations of the gas giant's three large ocean-bearing moons: Ganymede, Europa and Callisto.

Only 41% of the Moon remains completely hidden from us here on Earth. The 'Libration' which occurs each month allows a little more of the very edge of the Moon to be revealed to us. As a result we can, on occasion, spot a tiny portion of the Mare Orientales which was discovered by Patrick Moore in 1946.

April already, eh? Where does the time go? Don’t actually write in to tell me, I’m aware of how these things work. It was more of an existential question. You see, I’ve been trying to get into reading some mind-expanding books, but they were quite challenging and, if I'm honest, incredibly boring. So I gave up and put the football on. It was like listening to Mrs W talking about things we need to do. I know she’s saying something and it may even be interesting or important. But my head just fills with noise and I drift away. Anyway, how are you all? Still with me?

Freesat is not the same as Freeview. Do not buy a Freeview box for UK TV reception. I’m trying to let this go, but it keeps happening.

Whilst on the subject of Freesat, those of you with a standard-definition Freesat box or Sky box or such like should have noticed by now that you can no longer receive BBC One. If you haven’t noticed, that may tell you everything you need to know about how much you need TV, as nobody watches advert-laden ITV. To get it back, you need a high-definition satellite receiver. That’s all. Freesat HD boxes can be sourced from Amazon UK for around 80 euros.

The channel features roundthe-clock performances from the period’s best artists

One thing I did miss a little while back was the launch of Freesat channel 506, dedicated to the swinging 60s. Hosted by an array of old DJs who apparently didn’t get swept up in Operation Yewtree (and some of the names will surprise you!), the channel features round-the-clock performances from the period’s best artists. Will have a specific audience that one.

I’ve been asked a couple of times about replacement viewing cards for TNTSAT boxes. Please note, these are available from www.tntsat.tv for a fixed price of 15 euros. Just go to ‘renouveler votre carte TNTSAT’.

I went to a job recently which had 6 joins in a single cable run! Other than the fact that the installer will have spent more money on connecting pieces than the actual cable itself, it's just not the done thing. Joins are acceptable if done properly, but 6 joins are not. And if you do use them, use satellite screw types, not terrestrial push-fit ones.