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[Centaur]

It’s nearly time for my monthly naked-eye New Moon spotting challenge, which becomes relatively easy for observers north of the tropics as we near the vernal equinox. Many North Americans should be able to sight the little more than one-day-old Moon on March 12th when it will appear as a Lunar Boat, i.e. a U-shaped Moon. Some observers may set personal records.

My more detailed article describing the waxing crescent Moon’s first appearance of the coming lunar month appears under the links for my preview graphics at www.CurtRenz.com/moon

Photos and descriptions of the young Moon would be welcome additions to this thread. Please include your location, date, time and time zone.

Below is a photo that I took from Arlington Heights, Illinois of a Lunar Boat aged 1.35 days on 2009 MAR 27 at 19:53 CDT.

[magic612]

Curt, thanks for the reminder. Don't forget that if the skies are clear enough to see the young Moon, we should also be able to see Comet PANSTARRS nearby.

eyesonthesky.com/portals/0/skylights/skyobjects/panstarrs/20130312%20Comet%20PANSTARRS%20+30%20minutes%20after%20sunset.jpg

From my daily graphics guide to seeing the comet:

eyesonthesky.com/Blog/CometPANSTARRS.aspx

[Centaur]

Mar 7, 2013 10:35:59 GMT -6 magic612 said:

Curt, thanks for the reminder. Don't forget that if the skies are clear enough to see the young Moon, we should also be able to see Comet PANSTARRS nearby.

And thank you, David, for the reminder about the comet. It's now included in my three March New Moon spotting charts.