The starry sky in April 2026
Due to the later onset of darkness, the observatory does not open until 21:00 in April.
Our star chart shows the sky for 11 pm summer time. The starry sky is then dominated by the spring constellations. Exactly to the south you will now find the constellation Leo, whose figure is indeed reminiscent of a cat of prey lying down. In a south-easterly direction, two stars attract attention: Spica, the main star of the Virgo, and higher in the sky the orange Arcturus in the constellation Boats. Arcturus, Spica and Regulus form the so-called spring triangle.
The Large trolleys (part of the constellation Ursa Major) can now be found vertically above our heads. Between it and Leo, only the inconspicuous constellations Little lion, Hunting dogs and the Hair of Berenice their place. The situation is similar in the area between Leo and the horizon: here you will find the faint Water snake, the Sextant is hardly noticeable, mostly you can only Mug and Raven The striking shapes make it easy to recognize the Jupiter in the constellation of Gemini.
The moon phases in April 2026
The planets in April 2026
Mercury is almost 28 degrees away from the sun at the beginning of April. However, it is not visible in our morning sky due to its southern position.
Venus moves from the constellation of Aries to that of Taurus. Our inner neighboring planet shines brightly in the western twilight. On April 18, the narrow crescent Moon will be below Venus, on the 19th above it, right next to the Pleiades. There will be a close encounter with Uranus on the 23rd.
Mars is visible in the constellation of Pisces and then passes through the constellation of Whale. Mars is not yet visible in our morning sky, but a conjunction of Mars, Mercury and Saturn can be seen from the southern hemisphere on April 20.
Jupiter in the constellation of Gemini is the brightest planet in the first half of the night after the setting of Venus.
Saturn was in conjunction with the Sun at the end of March and is not yet visible in the morning sky.
Uranus in Taurus is only visible in the evening sky with telescopes at the beginning of the month. The close encounter with Venus on April 23/24 takes place low above the western horizon.
Neptune has, like Saturn, just completed its conjunction with the Sun - the planet far from the Sun remains invisible.
In modified form from The starry sky in April 2026 - Vereinigung der Sternfreunde e.V.