Stargazers in 2022 can look forward to an impressive lineup of events from earthshine nights, lunar eclipses, meteor showers & more. Check out the dates and times for astronomical events in the month of April & May.
While some events such as the full moon and the supermoon can be viewed from anywhere in the world, this year’s first eclipse of 2022 on April 30, is a partial solar eclipse visible from southern South America, parts of Antarctica, and over the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
Plan your trip to dark sky areas for better chances of viewing meteor showers.
April 16: Pink Moon
April’s Full Moon is traditionally known as the Pink Full Moon.
April 22/23: Lyrid Meteor Shower
The Lyrid meteor shower is expected to peak around April 22 and 23, depending on your location.
April 26/27: Earthshine Nights
The Waxing and Waning Crescent Moon phases in April and May are the best time to see earthshine, where the unlit part of the Moon becomes visible. It is also known as Da Vinci glow.
Apr 29: Mercury at Greatest Elongation East
This might be a good time to try and spot Mercury: the planet appears at its farthest distance from the Sun in the evening sky.
April 30: New Moon / Black Moon
The second New Moon in single calendar month is known as a Black Moon.
May 3/4: Earthshine Nights
The Waxing and Waning Crescent Moon phases in April and May are the best time to see earthshine, where the unlit part of the Moon becomes visible. It is also known as Da Vinci glow.
May 5/6: Eta Aquarid Meteors
Use our handy Interactive Meteor Shower Sky Map to increase your chances of seeing shooting stars from the Eta Aquarids.
May 16: Total Lunar Eclipse
This total lunar eclipse of the Flower Moon will be visible from North and South America, Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia.
May 16: Flower Moon
May’s Full Moon is known as the Flower Moon after all the flowers that bloom around this time in the Northern Hemisphere.
May 30: New Moon
Tonight’s a good time to do some star and planet gazing! A New Moon means dark skies and plenty of opportunities to look for planets and stars.
June 14: Strawberry Moon
June’s Full Moon is often called the Strawberry Full Moon, after the berries that grow in the Northern Hemisphere around this time of the year. In 2022, it is also a Supermoon.
Jun 16: Mercury at Greatest Elongation West
This might be a good time to try and spot Mercury: the planet appears at its farthest distance from the Sun in the morning sky.