Wednesday, April 1: Full \u2018Pink Moon\u2019 rises<\/p>\n \n Have a go at framing April\u2019s full Pink Moon, then focusing on the foreground (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n April begins with a full Pink Moon, officially full at 10:11 p.m. EDT (02:11 UTC). However, for photographers, the magic moment is moonrise, which across much of Europe and North America occurs close to sunset. That timing allows you to capture the moon low in the east, glowing orange through thicker layers of atmosphere.<\/p>\n Article continues below <\/p>\n You may like<\/p>\n A 300-600mm lens will get you a great close-up, but consider waiting 24 hours to see a slightly waning full moon after dark on Thursday, 2 April, appearing very close to bright blue-white star Spica. The pairing is tight enough for a 200\u2013400mm lens to frame both in a single composition. Plan carefully using a moonrise calculator and scout a foreground subject aligned with the eastern horizon for maximum impact.<\/p>\n Read: How to photograph the full moon<\/a><\/p>\n Monday, April 6: Comet MAPS <\/p>\n \n A Kreutz sungrazer may appear low in the western twilight. (Image credit: Lorena Sopena \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n Comet MAPS (C\/2026 A1), a Kreutz sungrazer, first discovered in January, reaches perihelion on 4 April at just 487,000 miles from the Sun\u2019s surface \u2014 super-close!<\/p>\n Such comets are unpredictable, disintegrating or flaring dramatically when least expected. If it survives, look low in the west after sunset from mid-northern latitudes. Twilight will be bright, so bring binoculars and attempt wide-field twilight imaging (ISO 800-1600, 2-5 second exposures on a tripod). A clear, unobstructed horizon \u2014 and some luck \u2014 is essential.<\/p>\n Read: The best star tracker camera mounts<\/a><\/p>\n April 10-20: Dark sky window<\/p>\n \n April is prime galaxy season, with targets like the Leo Triplet high in dark evening skies. (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n Tonight sees the last quarter moon rise, which means no moonlight until midnight, with a late-rising, shrinking moon assured for the next week. Even after the new moon on 17 April, the nights will be predominantly dark until early May.<\/p>\n Deep-sky astrophotographers will have been waiting for April. For those at mid-latitudes in the northern hemisphere, the nights are now getting shorter, but they\u2019re rich with galaxies, including Leo Triplet (M65, M66, NGC 3628), the Sombrero Galaxy (M104), the Pinwheel Galaxy (M101), Bode’s Galaxy (M81) and the Cigar Galaxy (M82).<\/p>\n What to read next<\/p>\n Read: The best cameras for astrophotography<\/a><\/p>\n April 13-15: Crescent moon with Mercury and Mars<\/p>\n The sight of a crescent moon waning as it gets closer to its new phase is always a treat for early risers, and this month it comes with a slice of planetary action. Use a 100\u2013300mm lens and arrive early to compose before twilight intensifies:<\/p>\n Read: When to photograph the moon<\/a><\/p>\n April 18: Venus & crescent moon<\/p>\n \n Venus and a delicate crescent moon create a striking pairing on April 18 (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n Venus is back \u2014 and it\u2019s going to dominate as the \u201cEvening Star\u201d all summer. Tonight, a 4%-lit waxing crescent moon appears alongside it, though the window is short \u2014 about 30\u201340 minutes after sunset. The two will be separated by about four degrees, which is ideal for wide-field astro-landscape shots. Venus, shining near magnitude -3.9, will dominate the scene while Earthshine softly outlines the lunar disk. Use a tripod and bracket exposures to preserve both twilight colors and lunar detail.<\/p>\n Read: Astrophotography: How-to guides, tips and videos<\/a><\/p>\n April 19: Crescent moon, Venus & \u00a0Pleiades<\/p>\n The 9%-lit waxing crescent moon again sits above Venus, with the sparkling Pleiades open cluster of stars between them. This is likely your final good evening view of the Pleiades (also called the Seven Sisters and M45) before they disappear into the glare of the sun. Southern Hemisphere observers may also begin to notice early meteors from the Eta Aquariids, which become active tonight.<\/p>\n Astrophotography shot of the month: Lyrid meteor shower <\/p>\n \n (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n Active from April 16-25, the Lyrids \u2014 the first major meteor shower since January \u2014 typically produce 15-20 meteors per hour under dark skies during its peak night, which this year runs overnight from Tuesday, 21 April, through Wednesday, 22 April.<\/p>\n A 27%-lit waxing crescent moon sets relatively early on Tuesday evening, leaving dark conditions after midnight. The radiant lies near Vega and climbs high in the northeast after midnight, making this a good year for Lyrids. The best way to catch a Lyrid or two is to employ the tried-and-tested \u201clucky imaging\u201d method: face a wide-angle lens (14\u201324mm) generally east or northeast, focus, use ISO 800\u20131600 and, crucially, 20-30 second exposures on the continuous shooting mode. Then hit go and do some stargazing \u2026 or go inside. Your work is done! All you need to do now is wait a few hours, then check your SD cards for meteors.<\/p>\n Read more:<\/p>\n \u2022 Astrophotography tools: the best camera, lenses and gear<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Silhouette](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/mSoJHcJiwvx894ADv5x7vh.jpg\")
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