New moon
Apr 17
Pink Moon
Apr 2
Dark-sky window
Apr 13 - Apr 21
excellent moon conditions
Best first target
M97/M108
Future · Horizon check
Monthly anchors
Ordered for this month's Munich guide view.
Planetary Nebula
A planetary nebula with a face — two dark regions create an 'owl-like' appearance in the shell of gas expelled by a dying star.
Find it
Not visible to naked eye. Located in Ursa Major, about 2.5° southeast of Merak (β UMa), one of the pointer stars of the Big Dipper.
Galaxy Group
A photogenic trio of interacting galaxies about 35 million light-years away — gravitationally bound and slowly transforming each other.
Find it
Not visible to naked eye. Located in Leo, about 2.5° south-southeast of the star Chertan (θ Leonis), between the 'hindquarters' of the Lion.
1 target
Below the 'hip' of Leo, south of the lion's body
1 target
In Ursa Major, near the bottom of the Big Dipper's bowl
Peak: May 5-6
50
meteors/hr
Debris from Halley's Comet produces fast meteors in early May. From European latitudes, the radiant is low, so expect 10-30 meteors per hour rather than the full ZHR. Many meteors appear as 'earthgrazers' skimming the atmosphere.
Best viewing
Pre-dawn (3am-5am)
Look east toward Aquarius in the hour before dawn
Photo notes
Low radiant means long meteor trails. Point camera east at low altitude.
Peak: April 22-23
18
meteors/hr
An ancient shower observed since 687 BC. Usually produces about 18 meteors per hour but has occasional outbursts. Lyrids are known for bright meteors and occasional fireballs.
Best viewing
After midnight until dawn
Lyra rises in late evening; best rates after midnight
Photo notes
Point camera toward Vega region after midnight. Spring nights can still be cold - dress warmly.