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[Centaur]

Who will be first to spot the New Moon by naked-eye after its conjunction with the Sun on 2005 Feb 08 @ 22:28 UT? "Sky and Telescope" magazine has a fine article describing such attempts in its February issue.

This slender young 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.

Since I began this series in March within several astronomical message boards, the overall champion is Navneeth (SN1987A) in Madras, India with a January sighting at 24:51 after conjunction. Americans will have a much better chance this month.

Please report your February 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 20 minutes after sunset on February 9 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 February New Moon Spotting Contest.

The graphics may be removed soon after February 9.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Curt,

I think it's great that you nudge astronomers into catching the baby moon as early as possible, not only here, but worldwide.

Thanks for your encouragement.

[Centaur]

Dave Hurst of Long Beach, California claimed to have spotted the Moon 27:31 after conjunction. He posted in my thread at astromart.com.

However, the best report so far is from "Silveradogold" in Industry, California. He reported a time of 27:21 in my thread at astronomy.com.

I rather suspected the winner this month might be a Californian. April may bring a better opportunity for those of us in Chicagoland.

Pasted below is Silveradogold's report:

Hey, I saw it!! at 5:49PST from the city of Industry, CA., USA ;
I have seen the newest New Moon I have ever seen!!!
Saw it without optical aid approx.at 12°altitude, approx.10° southern of the spot the Sun set; The azimuth worked to four finger-widths southwest of the setting Sun, as I didnot have any instruments to determine a exact sighting;
Hope this counts,
Clear Skies --- Silveradogold

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Curt,

How come Chicago will have a better chance in April? Better geometry or better weather?

[Centaur]

The geometry will be slightly better. The skies have a little better chance of being clear, but no promise there. The Moon will be about 25 hours old in Chicago during the period between sunset and moonset on April 9, which would actually be similar to today. But the marginally better conditions may give us the edge over Californians who have to wait a couple of hours for their chance.

[timothy]

I saw the two day new moon at about 5:00 pm because of clouds the day before. It was still very thin. I can't wait untill I see the first day new moon, hopefully next month.