The moment in which a meteor, also known as a shooting star, crossed the sky in the city of Monte Castelo, in Santa Catarina, was captured by monitoring cameras. The phenomenon lasted about 4 seconds.
In the recordings, it is possible to see the moment when the celestial body travels a convex trajectory and disappears after a small explosion. The record was published on social media on the Meteoros Monte Castelo – SC page.
Despite the name shooting star Although it is commonly used to refer to meteors, according to the National Institute for Space Research (Inpa), this phenomenon is not an indication of the fall of a star. The celestial bodies that enter the atmosphere are most often the remains of comets and asteroids that roam the solar system, known as meteoroids.
Difference Between Meteor and Meteorite
According to the Inca, the meteor is the phenomenon which occurs when the meteoroid enters the Earth’s atmosphere. A meteorite is a solid object, coming from the remains of a meteoroid, and which reached the Earth’s surface.
Check out the video of the phenomenon
Meteor rain
In the month of April, several astronomical phenomena reach Earth. The Liriadas meteor shower, scheduled for April 22, is one of them and it will be possible to see it in Brazil.
According to NASA, the phenomenon happens when several meteors enter Earth’s atmosphere at the same time. As the rock enters the planet, air resistance causes the meteor to heat up. Therefore, we see a “shooting star” streaking across the sky.
To observe the phenomenon, simply look in the sky towards the north on the night of the 22nd. Normally no special equipment is needed, but it is important that the observer goes to a very dark place. It is important to say that if the sky is cloudy, or the moon is full or almost full, visibility may be compromised. On April 22nd, the moon will be almost full.
The Astronomical Ephemerides guide at the Valongo Observatory, at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), annually releases a guide with all astronomical phenomena of the year. Below, you can see the complete list of what to expect in April.
See the phenomena that will happen in April:
- 06/04 – Conjunction between the Moon and Saturn, before dawn, eastward, in the constellation Aquarius;
- 07/04 – Conjunction between Moon and Venus. On the same day, Mars, Saturn, Moon and Venus will form a beautiful celestial quartet before dawn, heading east, between the constellations of Aquarius and Pisces;
- 08/04 – Total solar eclipse visible in Mexico, USA and Canada, equatorial region of the Pacific Ocean and North Atlantic. Invisible in Brazil;
- 10/04 – Conjunction between Mars and Saturn before dawn, eastward, in the constellation Aquarius. The stars will be separated by just 0.7º; and Conjunction between the Moon, Jupiter and comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, in the early evening, towards the west, in the constellation of Aries. The stars will be very low on the horizon;
- 04/20 – Conjunction between Jupiter and Uranus, westward, in the constellation of Aries. The stars will be only 0.4° apart, but they will be very close to the western horizon during twilight. Uranus can only be seen using binoculars, in dark skies;
- 04/21 – Perihelion of comet 12P/Pons-Brooks. This star will be visible, through binoculars, in dark skies, throughout the month, when it will transit through the constellations of Aries and Taurus;
- 04/22 – Maximum activity of the Lirids meteor shower, which can be observed during the morning in the north direction;
- 04/23 – Predicted date for the maximum brightness of comet 12P/Pons Brooks, which will be visible in the early evening, in the constellation of Taurus;
- 04/30 – Saturn, Mars and Mercury will be visually aligned before dawn, heading east, between the constellations of Aquarius and Pisces.
