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April’s astronomical events
Clayton Wong Yuk-ming, CCC Yenching College
Have you been looking up at the night sky? April 2026 was set to be one of the most astonishing periods for stargazing in Hong Kong, which started with the full pink moon on the first and second days of the month. While the moon did not actually glow pink as it rose over the horizon, it remained a bright and beautiful sight.
The excitement continued with comet sightings, as Comet C/2025 R3 (PANSTARRS) was expected to reach full brightness by April 17.
It directly led into a spectacular four-planet alignment on April 18 and 19, during which Mars, Saturn, Mercury and Neptune should have all been visible in the early-morning sky just before sunrise.
On the morning of the 19th, Comet C/2025 R3 should have even become bright enough to see without any optical aid, potentially rivalling the planets in brilliance.
As we move towards the end of the month, the Lyrids meteor shower will reach its peak on April 22. Conditions are particularly favourable this year because the moon is not expected to interfere with the view. Furthermore, April is widely considered “galaxy season”. With just a pair of binoculars, you can spot the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) near the Big Dipper or the Leo Triplet in the constellation Leo.
Better health with exercise
He Jia-yu, Lung Kong WFSL Lau Wong Fat Secondary School
Maintaining a regular exercise routine is more important than ever. While many people think of exercise only as a way to lose weight, its benefits go far beyond physical appearance. Activity is essential for both physical and mental health.
First, exercise significantly improves physical health. Regular activity strengthens the heart and improves blood circulation, reducing the risk of serious diseases like heart disease and diabetes. It also helps build stronger muscles and bones. Even a simple 30-minute walk every day can boost your immune system, making you less likely to get sick.
Second, exercise is powerful for mental health. When we move our bodies, the brain releases endorphins. These chemicals are often called “feel-good” hormones because they reduce stress and anxiety. In a world where many people feel overwhelmed by work or school, exercise provides a healthy way to clear the mind.
Achieving small fitness goals can build self-confidence. And finally, regular exercise improves sleep quality. People who stay active tend to fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep. Better rest leads to higher energy levels and better focus during the day.
Should AI be allowed in music?
Chan Yu-ying, Pope Paul VI College
AI music tools have boomed, allowing anyone to generate tracks within seconds. While these tools are increasingly integrated into professional and personal life, I believe relying on AI for music production presents more drawbacks than benefits.
On one hand, AI tools grant users easy access to a vast array of musical styles. Even those without formal training can generate songs tailored to their preferences by providing simple prompts. AI offers undeniable efficiency. While manual composition is a time-consuming process often hindered by creative blocks, AI produces results instantaneously.
However, using AI may lead to direct copyright infringement as systems are often trained on unauthorised melodies, chords, and rhythms scraped from the internet, undermining the intellectual property rights of original creators.
According to a 2025 survey by music platform Deezer and research firm Ipsos, a staggering 97 per cent of listeners could not distinguish between human-composed music and AI-generated music.
People can use these tools but wisely, responsibly and legally.
Testament to care and unity
Tse Sui-hei, CCC Fong Yun Wah Secondary School
As a booth staff member during Amity’s “Walk for Living Water Charity Walkathon and Carnival”, I was deeply impressed by the public’s overwhelming response and participation.
Throughout the event, I saw people of all ages visiting our booth, showing great interest in the cause and eagerly supporting our mission.
What touched me most was their genuine concern for communities facing water shortages. Many inquired about the challenges of accessing clean water, donated generously and spread the word among their friends. Their enthusiasm and willingness to help showed the public’s recognition of the event’s purpose: raising awareness of global water issues and funds to build safe water facilities for those in need.
This event is not only a charity walk but also a powerful testament to care and unity. Witnessing so many people standing together for a meaningful goal made me realise the true essence of public welfare.
This experience has inspired me to conserve water resources and continue to spread kindness. It has shown me that when people unite for a good cause, their collective effort can ignite real hope and bring positive change to the world.
