4 celestial must-sees in April

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1-04-2024, 17:30

INA - SOURCES

Total solar eclipses—when the moon completely blocks the sun—are predictable, inevitable and certain to happen precisely on time.

Early morning on Sunday, April 7, when a slim crescent moon will be visible very low in the east and, as a bonus, it will appear close to a trio of planets—then occult (or eclipse) Venus later in daylight.

April 1st, Last Quarter or “half moon” phase, rising after midnight and clearing the way for 10 nights of dark, moonless skies. Perfect for anyone planning an eclipse-chasing vacation, if clouds stay away.

April 5th, the east-southeast sky just before sunrise, and you’ll see the beautiful sight of a 15%-lit waning crescent moon, just a couple of degrees from both Mars and Saturn. You’ll need a good view low to the horizon.

April 7th, it will also be possible to see a crescent moon, this time just 8%-lit, and now just beneath Saturn and Mars. The longer you wait until sunrise, the more likely you will be to see bright Venus shining due east.