Whole sky chart at 9pm, 15 April 2011.

Nightwatch

April, 2011

Saturn is making its way across the southern part of the sky now and can be seen from around about 8.30pm onwards. You will find Saturn in the midst of the large constellation of Virgo. Talking of Virgo, there are more exoplanets in this constellation than any other. Aswell as these new planets, which orbit other stars, there are also many galaxies to be found within its borders so this makes a really worthwhile target for your telescopes. You are best looking for these celestial gems when the moon is new or at least not as bright.

Also this month there is the Lyrids annual meteor shower which will reach its peak on 22 April. If you are somewhere nice and dark away from street lights you can expect to see at least 18 meteors per hour. As the name suggests this meteor shower radiates from the constellation of Lyra. One of the most prominent constellations this month is Boótes the Herdsman with the giant star of Arcturus dominating this star pattern. Boótes was said to herd the bears of Ursa Major and Minor and it was this, which made the celestial sphere rotate in the night sky.  

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