Home
Weather Dublin
WeatherRadar
RainfallRadar
TemperatureRadar
WindRadar
LightningRadar
Weather News
Editor's Pick
Discover the app
Weather widget
Contact us
Apps
    Home / Editor's Pick /

    April astronomy outlook: Total solar eclipse and the devil comet

11:00
1 April 2024

April astronomy outlook
Total solar eclipse and the devil comet

Star gazing

April's most exciting astronomical event, a total solar eclipse, will not be visible for those in the UK or Ireland, but there is still plenty to look forward to.

DateEvent
April 8thNew moon
April 8thTotal solar eclipse
April 14th - 30thLyrid meteor shower
April 23rdPink Moon
OngoingComet 12P/Pons-Brooks aka the devil comet

On April 8th, we see a New moon. Meanwhile, in parts of Mexico, the U.S., and Canada, a total solar eclipse is set to form. It is a chance not to be missed, with the next total solar eclipse not set to appear until 2045.

While the event itself is not visible here, there will be plenty of livestreams available to see what is happening. Including one of our very own from the Weather & Radar US team.

Once the eclipse is over, we finally get our first real event in the skies of the UK and Ireland. The Lyrid meteor shower is active from April 14th to April 30th. Peaking on the night of the 22nd.

This is the oldest recorded shower still visible today, having first been recorded in 687 BC. It is not the brightest shower but is known for fast meteors with long trails behind.

Unfortunately, the peak of the Lyrids coincides with the rise of the Pink Moon on April 23rd. Meaning that many of the dimmer shooting stars will be obscured by the moonlight.

There is one other event currently happening which shouldn’t be missed… the devil comet, also known as Comet 12P/Pons-Brook.

Named for the “horns” visible as gases burn around the comet, this comet remains visible up to April 21st. Don't miss it! The next time it comes into view isn't for another 71.2 years.

Whichever event you want to see for yourself, let us help. Check the WeatherRadar to find the perfect evening beneath the stars.

Tips: Astrophotography with your phoneread more
Weather & Radar editorial team
More on the topic
The second warmest May on record. Early heatwave in Europe. . . Wednesday 10 June 2026
Split image showing a European temperature anomaly map with widespread warmer-than-average conditions on the left and a poerson cooling off beside a fountain near the Eiffel Tower during hot weather on the right.
Wednesday 10 June 2026

Early heatwave in Europe

The second warmest May on record
Tropical storm hits Mexico. Ahead of the World Cup. . . Monday 8 June 2026
A small weather map showing satellite imagery and precipitation over Europe. A red warning triangle with an exclamation mark is displayed in the bottom left-hand corner. The map shows numerous blue, yellow and orange weather symbols indicating active precipitation or areas of thunderstorms. The graphic conveys a general weather or severe weather warning.
Monday 8 June 2026

Ahead of the World Cup

Tropical storm hits Mexico
Summer comeback on the horizon. Hot air from Spain. . . Tuesday 9 June 2026
European weather map showing temperatures and weather symbols. A red arrow points from Spain and southern France towards Central Europe, indicating the influx of very warm air. A sun-and-cloud symbol is shown over Germany, indicating pleasant, partly cloudy weather. Maximum temperatures of over 30 degrees are forecast for Spain and Portugal, whilst in Germany, France and the Alpine regions temperatures are mostly between 22 and 25 degrees. The map illustrates a warm south-westerly flow transporting summer air towards Central Europe.
Tuesday 9 June 2026

Hot air from Spain

Summer comeback on the horizon
All weather news
This might also interest you
Bright and warm conditions take hold. Spring-like outlook. . . Thursday 23 April 2026
Split UK map showing warm temperatures up to 21 degrees in orange on the left and clear sunny conditions with temperatures from 12 to 18 degrees on the right, with sun icons across the country.
Thursday 23 April 2026

Spring-like outlook

Bright and warm conditions take hold
Happy New Year. Hello 2026. . . Wednesday 31 December 2025
Illustration of white and yellow fireworks on a blue background.
Wednesday 31 December 2025

Hello 2026

Happy New Year
Mixed conditions on an unsettled week. Your weather - Your shots. . . Sunday 2 November 2025
plit image showing a double rainbow over a rocky shoreline on the left and sheep grazing in a green field under stormy clouds on the right.
Sunday 2 November 2025

Your weather - Your shots

Mixed conditions on an unsettled week
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy Policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

facebooktwitteryouTubelinkList