Lyrid Lightshow and Planetary Positions to Dazzle Bangladesh Skies Late April

Following the captivating display of multiple planetary alignments and the full moon in early April, a new celestial spectacle awaits in the latter half of the month. From Friday, April 17 to April 30, the night sky over Bangladesh will feature the Lyrid meteor shower along with visually striking shifts in planetary positions, offering a special attraction for astronomy enthusiasts.

According to astronomical data, the most notable event of late April is the Lyrid meteor shower. This annual phenomenon occurs when Earth passes through a cloud of debris left by the comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, resulting in visible meteor activity. Although the shower will remain active until April 25 this year, its peak is expected from the night of April 22 to the early hours of April 23. Under clear skies, observers may witness 10 to 20 meteors per hour, appearing as bright streaks of light rapidly crossing the sky (sources: SkyMap Online and Sky & Telescope Astronomy).

During this period, noticeable changes in planetary positions will also occur. In the western sky, Venus will retain its brightness but gradually descend toward the horizon. Meanwhile, Mars will remain clearly visible in the evening sky with its characteristic reddish glow. Toward the end of the month, approximately two hours before sunrise, Saturn will appear high in the eastern sky, with the ice giant Neptune located nearby—though observing Neptune will require a powerful telescope (sources: SkyMap Online and Sky & Telescope Astronomy).

The Moon will also enter its waning phase during this time. Around April 21, when it is positioned near the Lyra constellation, its soft glow may slightly interfere with meteor visibility. However, toward the end of the month, notable changes in constellation patterns will enhance the skywatching experience. The quadrilateral shape of the Corvus constellation will be easily visible in the southern sky. At the same time, the bright bluish Spica—part of the Virgo constellation—will shine prominently in the southeast. In the northeastern sky, the orange-hued Arcturus, the fourth brightest star in the night sky and a key marker of spring, will also be visible (sources: SkyMap Online and Sky & Telescope Astronomy).

Overall, the latter part of April will transform Bangladesh’s night sky into a unique showcase of astronomical events, most of which can be enjoyed with the naked eye.

DBTech/NA/EK/OR