SkyTips: April 2013
Bright
CraterThis image shows the layered walls and central peak of Aristarchus crater, one of the brightest features on the surface of the Moon.
Stargazing Summary
The favorite constellations of the season spring into view in the early evening
sky this month. Leo is well up in the east at nightfall, with Regulus, the
bright star that marks his heart, leading the way. A curved pattern known as the
Sickle, which outlines the lion's head and mane, is to the left of Regulus.
Virgo is low in the sky at nightfall but quickly climbs to prominence,
highlighted by the star Spica. The brilliant planet Jupiter is sliding down
toward the western horizon, near the face of Taurus, the bull, while fainter
Saturn puts on its best showing of the year late in the month, shining
throughout the night.
More stargazing information »
More stargazing information »
Radio Program Highlights
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April 1-7: The Argo. Parts of the ship that carried Jason and the Argonauts sails across the southern sky this week, and we'll tell you how to find them. Join us for the Argo, plus a constellation with many pasts.
April 8-14: Getting around. Sailors have been navigating by the stars for centuries, but some others have been doing it a lot longer. Join us for tales of celestial navigation, plus a "messy" star and a messy debate about a comet.
April 15-21: Stars and galaxies galore. To the eye alone, the constellation Coma Berenices isn't much. But look deeper and you'll find one of the nearest star clusters, and one of the largest galaxy clusters. Join us for Coma Berenices and more.
April 22-28: Moon meanderings. The Moon passes a couple of bright stars this week, along with a planet that's at its brightest. And we'll also talk about a bright visitor to California skies that left behind some calling cards. Join us for this and more.
April 29-30: Cosmic X-rays. Scientists are using particles from far beyond Earth to see into Earth — and into such ancient monuments as the pyramids of cultures from Egypt to Central America. Join us for these "cosmic X-rays" and more.
April program schedule »
Hear StarDate every day on more than 300 radio stations nationwide. Find an affiliate »
April 1-7: The Argo. Parts of the ship that carried Jason and the Argonauts sails across the southern sky this week, and we'll tell you how to find them. Join us for the Argo, plus a constellation with many pasts.
April 8-14: Getting around. Sailors have been navigating by the stars for centuries, but some others have been doing it a lot longer. Join us for tales of celestial navigation, plus a "messy" star and a messy debate about a comet.
April 15-21: Stars and galaxies galore. To the eye alone, the constellation Coma Berenices isn't much. But look deeper and you'll find one of the nearest star clusters, and one of the largest galaxy clusters. Join us for Coma Berenices and more.
April 22-28: Moon meanderings. The Moon passes a couple of bright stars this week, along with a planet that's at its brightest. And we'll also talk about a bright visitor to California skies that left behind some calling cards. Join us for this and more.
April 29-30: Cosmic X-rays. Scientists are using particles from far beyond Earth to see into Earth — and into such ancient monuments as the pyramids of cultures from Egypt to Central America. Join us for these "cosmic X-rays" and more.
April program schedule »
Hear StarDate every day on more than 300 radio stations nationwide. Find an affiliate »
Viewing Nights at the Observatory
Tickets are still available for Special Viewing Night programs on our 36-inch
Telescope for April 5, 12, and
13. This program provides fabulous views of galaxies, nebulae, and globular star
clusters through a large telescope, while giving you the opportunity to marvel
at dark West Texas skies not obscured by a large dome. The program includes a
constellation tour. Advance ticket purchase is required. Participants are also
eligible to make reservations to stay on-site at our Astronomers Lodge. Complete
information, including additional program dates through spring and summer, is
available online.
Reserve your spot now »
Reserve your spot now »
Coming up in StarDate Magazine
In May/June, StarDate magazine will bring your our recommendations for
your summer reading from the latest new books in astronomy and space
exploration. We'll also bring you the latest astronomy news, summer skywatching
tips, and Merlin's answers to your questions.
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Subscribe today »
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astronomy enthusiasts to help us bring everyone great skywatching tips,
skycharts, and cutting-edge science news. Please consider making a
tax-deductible contribution to StarDate in 2013. Many small donations add
together to make a big impact! And if you give $20 or more, we'll send you a
digital copy of our Sky Almanac 2013, full of stargazing tips and other timely
info for the entire year.
Support StarDate today »
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