April constellations
Look for these in the sky about an hour after sunset.
Ursa Minor
The North Star, or Polaris, helps make up Ursa Minor, or the Little Bear constellation. Polaris lies nearly in a direct line with the Earth’s axis “above” the North Pole and has been used for years as a guide star for travelers throughout the northern hemisphere.Orion
Orion is sinking into the western sky.
Auriga
Its brightest star is Capella.
Gemini
Its brightest stars are Castor and Pollux, named for the twins in the Gemini myth.
Austin-area stargazing events
This list is not comprehensive. Details are subject to change; call ahead to RSVP.
March 27: Austin Community College Star Party
Attendees stargaze from ACC’s Round Rock campus observation deck. Children’s activities take place at 5:30 p.m. and are followed by Dr. Jim Heath presenting “Dark Energy: The Return of the Subtle Fluid” and stargazing with telescopes. 5:30–9:30 p.m. Free. 4400 College Park Drive, Round Rock. www.austincc.edu/astro/starparty.html
March 27–May 9: Painter Hall Telescope viewing
Each Friday and Saturday while The University of Texas is in session, the astronomy department hosts Painter Hall Telescope viewings. 8:30–10:30 p.m. Free. University of Texas, corner of 24th Street and Inner Campus Drive, Austin. Call 512-232-4265 for weather information. https://outreach.as.utexas.edu/public/painter.html
April 2 and May 7: Girlstart Starry Nights
On the first Thursday of each month, Girlstart’s new science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, Studio and Mini-Planetarium allows families to explore astronomy. 6–7 p.m. Free. Girlstart STEM Center, 1400 W. Anderson Lane, Austin. www.girlstart.org/our-programs/starry-nights
April 8: Barton Creek Night Hike
Members of the Southwest Austin–based organization Hill Country Outdoors start a 4-mile hike at 6:30 p.m. at the Zilker trailhead near the Barton Springs Pool. Participants should bring a headlamp or flashlight. 6:30 p.m. Free for members. Zilker trailhead. www.hillcountryoutdoors.com
April 25: Austin Astronomical Society monthly public star parties
AAS members share their telescopes with the public to observe objects in the sky. 6–11 p.m. Free to attend; visitors to the park must pay parking fees. Canyon of the Eagles on Lake Buchanan, 16942 RR 2341, Burnet. www.austinastro.org
