SINGAPORE: Stargazers, mark your calendars. The month will draw to a close with a meteor shower expected shortly before the Pink Moon makes its appearance on Apr 24.
But if you miss these cosmic events, fret not as there is still plenty in store for the rest of the year.


Here's what you can expect, including four back-to-back supermoons.


METEOR SHOWERS


The Science Centre Observatory (SCOB) Singapore anticipates that the Lyrids meteor shower may peak around Apr 22.


It is one of the oldest known meteor showers and has been observed for 2,700 years, according to the NASA website. The Lyrids are known for their fast and bright meteors, though not as swift or abundant as the more famous Perseids in August.


Another meteor shower, known as the Eta Aquarids, is expected to peak on May 6.


Eta Aquarid meteors - also known for their speed - can leave glowing "trains". These are incandescent bits of debris in the wake of the meteor which last for several seconds to minutes, said NASA.


In general, about 30 Eta Aquarid meteors can be seen per hour during its peak, noted the US agency.

August will see the Perseids peak over Singapore between Aug 12 and Aug 13, according to the Time and Date website.


It is known for being one of the brighter annual showers, SCOB said in a previous statement, and gets its name as it comes from the same direction as the constellation Perseus.


December will also see the Geminids peak on the night between Dec 13 and Dec 14, said Time and Date.


"As with each season of meteor shower, we recommend stargazers to check out the position of the constellations and stargaze later into the night," said SCOB.


The observatory advised that the best places to catch meteor showers would be unblocked open areas with minimal light pollution such as nature parks, beaches, and reservoirs.

"Avoid gazing directly at the radiant constellations and instead look at dark areas around it to spot the meteor streaks. Do also take relevant safety precautions when you’re out stargazing in the dark," it added.


SUPERMOONS


There will be four consecutive supermoons from August to November.


The one in October will be the closest to Earth while the full moon in August - known as the Sturgeon Moon - will also be a Blue Moon as it happens to be the third full moon of the season, said SCOB.


"While there is no official definition for the supermoon, these four full moons in August, September, October and November occur when the moon is relatively nearer to the Earth, causing it to appear brighter and more prominent," said SCOB.


Stargazers should also note that the moon’s appearance can vary depending on atmospheric conditions and viewing location, it added.

STARGAZING ACTIVITIES


According to NASA, the full moon can appear up to 14 per cent bigger and 30 per cent brighter than the faintest moon of the year.


These moons will be visible as long as there are unobstructed views and clear skies. However, take location and timing into consideration if you want the most ideal conditions.


"Marina Barrage, East Coast Park and the Southern Ridges offer a potentially elevated view of the supermoons and the city skyline," said SCOB.


"Generally, it is a good time to enjoy a supermoon close to moonrise or moonset, when the moon is close to terrestrial objects, trees or buildings that we are familiar with. The large apparent size of the supermoon will be more obvious when we have something to compare its size with."

Budding astronomers or those who want to feel closer to the cosmos all year long can participate in SCOB's stargazing programmes at its observatory in Jurong. Science educators will also be on hand to share more about the night sky.


The Science Centre's observatory is one of the few in the world that is located next to the equator.


"This unique position opens up more vistas in the sky and allows us to view constellations in both the northern and southern celestial hemispheres," according to its website.


Its stargazing and digital planetarium live shows are usually held every first, second and fourth Friday of the month. The programme begins at 7.30pm with a planetarium show in its omni theatre followed by a stargazing session until 10pm.


The observatory's stargazer experience runs every third Friday of the month. Participants first learn about the solar system and how to use a telescope before a stargazing session in the field.


More information and tickets for these sessions are available online.

Meteor showers and 4 supermoons: What skygazers can look out for in 2024 - CNA