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April 20, 2026

Radio: Today’s Episode

Lyrid Meteors

April 20, 2026

A good time for a meteor shower

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Radio: Yesterday’s Episode

Moon and Companions

April 19, 2026

Bigger, brighter, and closer

StarDate

Moon and Companions

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Stargazing

April 20, 2026

Lyrid Meteors

The Lyrid meteor shower should be at its best the next couple of nights. Even at its peak, the shower produces no more than a dozen or so meteors per hour. But the Moon won’t get in the way, so if you have good weather and a good viewing spot, it’s worth a look.
April 19, 2026

Moon and Companions

The Moon is passing through the bull tonight. The bull’s “eye,” represented by the star Aldebaran, is to the left of the Moon. The bull’s face and shoulder are even closer, represented by a pair of star clusters, the Hyades and the Pleiades.
April 18, 2026

Moon and Venus

The planet Venus is the brilliant Evening Star now. It’s quite close to the crescent Moon this evening. The Moon will stand above the planet tomorrow night.

Launch Stargazing Tips

Moon Phases

At the new Moon phase, the Moon is so close to the Sun in the sky that none of the side facing Earth is illuminated (position 1 in illustration). In other words, the Moon is between Earth and Sun. At first quarter, the half-lit Moon is highest in the sky at sunset, then sets about six hours later (3). At full Moon, the Moon is behind Earth in space with respect to the Sun. As the Sun sets, the Moon rises with the side that faces Earth fully exposed to sunlight (5).

Launch Current Moon Phase

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Stardate Magazine

Current Issue: MARCH/APRIL 2026

Lightsabers, Lawn Sprinklers, and Charm Bracelets

by Kristen Pope

We’ll jet around the cosmos, highlighting some of the most violent features in the universe. The issue also will offer Merlin’s answers to your questions, skywatching tips, the latest astronomy news, and more.