What Happened
Skywatching Skywatching Home What’s Up Meteor Showers Eclipses Daily Moon Guide More Tips & Guides Skywatching FAQ Night Sky Network Mercury shines extra bright, the Lyrid meteor shower peaks, and a comet soars into view Mercury shines at its brightest for the year, the Lyrid meteor shower peaks, and a bright new comet makes an appearance in April’s night sky.
Why It Matters
Skywatching Highlights April 3: Mercury at greatest elongation April 17: Best chance to see Comet C/2025 R3 April 21 to 22: Lyrid meteor shower peak April 27: Comet C/2025 R3 makes closest approach to Earth Transcript Mercury shines extra bright, the Lyrid meteor shower peaks, and a comet soars into view.
Key Details
- That’s What’s Up this April. On April 3rd, Mercury will be at its most visible all year.
- On this date, the planet will be at its greatest elongation, or its furthest distance from the Sun, as we see it from Earth, making it easier to see the often hard-to spot-planet. To find Mercury, look east before the Sun begins to rise.
- The planet will be very low on the horizon, just above Mars. The Lyrid meteor shower peaks April 21st to 22nd.
- This meteor shower comes from debris left behind by Comet Thatcher. When this debris hits and then burns up in our atmosphere, we see the “shooting stars” of a meteor shower. To experience the peak of the April Lyrids, look to the east starting at around 10 p.m.
Background Context
Skywatching Skywatching Home What’s Up Meteor Showers Eclipses Daily Moon Guide More Tips & Guides Skywatching FAQ Night Sky Network Mercury shines extra bright, the Lyrid meteor shower peaks, and a comet soars into view Mercury shines at its brightest for the year, the Lyrid meteor shower peaks, and a bright new comet makes an appearance in April’s night sky. Skywatching Highlights April 3: Mercury at greatest elongation April 17: Best chance to see Comet C/2025 R3 April 21 to 22: Lyrid meteor shower peak April 27: Comet C/2025 R3 makes closest approach to Earth Transcript Mercury shines extra bright, the Lyrid meteor shower peaks, and a comet soars into view. That’s What’s Up this Apr
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Source: NASA – Original Link
Source: NASA
