This Easter weekend, step outside on Good Friday evening, and treat yourself to a celestial spectacle. It’s not often we take a break to look up into our night sky. It’s something that’s missing in our busy lives. So, after sunset turn your attention to the eastern horizon where the Moon will rise at 6.34pm.
As the sky darkens, take a moment to recognise a star! Spica is the brightest star in the constellation of Virgo and will appear above and to the left of the Moon. Before you know it, you’ll be identifying other objects in our amazing night sky.
Use the above image as a guide. Astronomical images provided by SkySafari, a Simulation Curriculum Company, All rights reserved www.simulationcurriculum.com.
When and where to look:
From 6.34pm after sunset on Good Friday, 3rd April.
Something Interesting:
Ever wondered why the Easter date changes each year? Sometimes Easter date is in early April, or late April, or even late March. The date of Easter changes each year because it is based on the lunar calendar. Easter falls on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the March equinox, ensuring it occurs between March 22 and April 25. This calculation method aligns with traditions dating back centuries and accommodates variations in lunar and solar cycles. Head over to our friends at Stargazers Club WA and find out more about why the date for Easter changes each year.
Get More Stargazing Tips
There’s always something interesting happening in the night sky and country WA is the best place to catch all the action.