Post by Centaur on Oct 11, 2004 16:41:04 GMT -6
Who will be first to spot the New Moon by naked-eye after its conjunction with the Sun on 2004 OCT 14 @ 02:48 UT?
This slender crescent Moon was traditionally referred to as the New Moon. On the day of conjunction it was called the Dark Moon. Most modern calendar makers, however, label the conjunction day as that of the New Moon.
This is a difficult time of year for New Moon spotters north of the tropics due to the sharp angle which the ecliptic strikes the horizon at sunset. So don't be discouraged if your timing is not a record breaker.
Since I began this series in March within several astronomical message boards, the overall champion is DanielO in Michigan with a March sighting at 25:37 after conjunction.
Please report your October 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 previewing the western sky soon after sunset on FRI OCT 15 as seen from Chicago, although it should be useful for most North American observers. To see it, click:
www.curtrenz.com/astronomical.html
Then click the blue button for the October New Moon Spotting Contest.
The graphic may be removed soon after OCT 15.
This slender crescent Moon was traditionally referred to as the New Moon. On the day of conjunction it was called the Dark Moon. Most modern calendar makers, however, label the conjunction day as that of the New Moon.
This is a difficult time of year for New Moon spotters north of the tropics due to the sharp angle which the ecliptic strikes the horizon at sunset. So don't be discouraged if your timing is not a record breaker.
Since I began this series in March within several astronomical message boards, the overall champion is DanielO in Michigan with a March sighting at 25:37 after conjunction.
Please report your October 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 previewing the western sky soon after sunset on FRI OCT 15 as seen from Chicago, although it should be useful for most North American observers. To see it, click:
www.curtrenz.com/astronomical.html
Then click the blue button for the October New Moon Spotting Contest.
The graphic may be removed soon after OCT 15.
I have a Star Party in Putum tomorrow night with the local Newspaper coming out to do a story. I willlet you know how it all goes.