Post by Centaur on Dec 27, 2005 4:13:25 GMT -6
Who will be first ground based observer to spot the New Moon after sunset by naked-eye following its conjunction with the Sun on 2005 DEC 31 at 03:12 UT (30 - 21:12 CST)?
The slender crescent Moon, a day or two old, was traditionally referred to as the New Moon. On the day of conjunction our ancestors called it the Dark of the Moon (or Change of the Moon.) However, most modern calendar makers insist on labeling the conjunction day as that of the New Moon.
The turn of the year should present a better opportunity for northern observers than the previous few months. There's a slim chance for North Americans to spot the Moon less than a day old on December 31st. January 1st may be more realistic. Late winter and early spring should bring us better chances for spotting a really young Moon.
Please report your turn of the year observation within this thread, including location and time with zone. Even negative results would be interesting. Photos would be especially nice. No prizes, just bragging rights.
I've created a graphic representing the western sky 30 minutes after sunset on January 1st as seen from Chicago's Adler Planetarium, where the Moon will be 10° directly to the left of a bright Venus. Nevertheless, the diagram should be useful for most North American observers. To see it, click:
www.curtrenz.com/astronomical.html
The graphic may be removed soon after January 1st.
The slender crescent Moon, a day or two old, was traditionally referred to as the New Moon. On the day of conjunction our ancestors called it the Dark of the Moon (or Change of the Moon.) However, most modern calendar makers insist on labeling the conjunction day as that of the New Moon.
The turn of the year should present a better opportunity for northern observers than the previous few months. There's a slim chance for North Americans to spot the Moon less than a day old on December 31st. January 1st may be more realistic. Late winter and early spring should bring us better chances for spotting a really young Moon.
Please report your turn of the year observation within this thread, including location and time with zone. Even negative results would be interesting. Photos would be especially nice. No prizes, just bragging rights.
I've created a graphic representing the western sky 30 minutes after sunset on January 1st as seen from Chicago's Adler Planetarium, where the Moon will be 10° directly to the left of a bright Venus. Nevertheless, the diagram should be useful for most North American observers. To see it, click:
www.curtrenz.com/astronomical.html
The graphic may be removed soon after January 1st.
