Venus Eclipse sets the stage for the 'Great North American Eclipse': the sky this week

This week, the moon's progression towards a total solar eclipse provides an exciting opportunity for observation. Here's what you need to know about stargazing and astronomy during this period:

Monday, April 1: Last Quarter Moon

The moon will reach its Last Quarter or "half moon" phase, rising after midnight and paving the way for 10 nights of dark, moonless skies. This is ideal for those planning to witness the upcoming solar eclipse, as long as the weather remains clear.

Friday, April 5: Crescent Moon, Mars, and Saturn

In the east-southeast sky just before sunrise, a 15%-lit waning crescent moon will be visible, located just a few degrees away from both Mars and Saturn. For the best view, find a spot with a clear view low on the horizon.

Saturday, April 6: Crescent Moon, Mars, and Saturn

Another opportunity to see a crescent moon, this time at 8% illumination, positioned just below Saturn and Mars. The longer you wait until sunrise, the better your chances of spotting bright Venus shining in the east.

Sunday, April 7: The Pre-Eclipse Moon Occults Venus

This day presents a challenge as the moon will be very close to the eastern horizon. However, if you look due east in the moments before sunrise, you may catch a glimpse of a 3%-lit crescent moon situated near bright Venus.

Later in the day, around 12:34 EDT (as seen from Washington D.C.), the moon will eclipse Venus in daylight. It will reappear at 13:48 EDT, according to In The Sky. To observe this event, you will likely need a GoTo telescope. The next occultation of Venus by the moon visible from Europe will occur in September 2025.

Eclipse Tip of the Week: Go Stargazing

Around the time of the new moon is the best period for stargazing. With the moon positioned close to the sun, it remains invisible at night, resulting in exceptionally dark skies. Therefore, the nights surrounding a total solar eclipse offer ideal conditions for observing the stars. The path of totality, where the total solar eclipse can be experienced, passes through regions with particularly dark skies. Some recommended places to visit include Texas Hill Country, Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas, southeast Missouri, northeast New York, and northern Maine. These locations provide stunning views of the eclipse, weather permitting, and also offer an opportunity to witness the night sky at its finest during the totality, according to Forbes.

Eclipse Tip of the Week: Get Some Binoculars

There is much discussion about solar eclipse glasses this month, but the focus on watching the partial phases of a solar eclipse is mostly misplaced. While observing the moon's movement across the sun can be captivating, it pales in comparison to the experience of totality. Only those within the 115-mile-wide path of totality crossing parts of 15 US states on Monday will witness complete darkness during the day and have the chance to view the solar corona with the naked eye. During those few minutes, using a pair of binoculars is highly recommended. The close-up view of the sun's corona will be awe-inspiring, and you may also spot large pink prominences around the sun's edge. However, exercise caution and use binoculars only when it is dark and no part of the sun's bright disk is visible. If you intend to use binoculars to observe the partial phases, make sure to use special solar filters. Safety should always be a priority.