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
An eventful week on camera. Your weather - Your shots. . . Sunday 16 August 2026
Split image showing a golden sunset reflecting across calm sea on the left and a rugged mountain rising above green vegetation and water beneath broken clouds on the right.
Sunday 16 August 2026

Your weather - Your shots

An eventful week on camera
Chance of thundery showers breaking out. Over the coming days. . . Tuesday 18 August 2026
Split weather graphic showing a yellow thunderstorm warning across eastern England alongside radar with heavy showers and lightning near Sheffield, Leicester and East Anglia.
Tuesday 18 August 2026

Over the coming days

Chance of thundery showers breaking out
The best views of the solar eclipse. Across Europe. . . Thursday 13 August 2026
Solar eclipse: The sun obscured between wind turbines in Sardinia
Thursday 13 August 2026

Across Europe

The best views of the solar eclipse
All weather news
This might also interest you
New records for England and Wales. Broken again tomorrow?. . . Thursday 25 June 2026
Temperature map of southwest Britain on 25.06 showing extreme heat across southern Wales and southwest England, with Bute Park in Cardiff highlighted at 34.2°C and Yeovilton at 36.4°C amid widespread deep red heat zones.
Thursday 25 June 2026

Broken again tomorrow?

New records for England and Wales
Turbulent weather in the Canary Islands. Storm and rain. . . Friday 12 December 2025
Weather graphic showing rain and wind fields over the Canary Islands and a central warning symbol.
Friday 12 December 2025

Storm and rain

Turbulent weather in the Canary Islands
Flooding, gales, and heavy snow. Storm Chandra. . . Tuesday 27 January 2026
Split image showing aerial flooding in a town with muddy water covering roads on the left, and a rural road on the right blocked by heavy snowfall with vans stopped and a person walking in snow.
Tuesday 27 January 2026

Storm Chandra

Flooding, gales, and heavy snow
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