Post by Centaur on Apr 28, 2011 11:07:00 GMT -6
Who will be the first to spot the May New Moon with naked eyes after sunset? The Dark Moon will be in geocentric longitudinal conjunction with the Sun on 2011 MAY 03 at 06:51 UT (01:51 CDT).
We are still in the period of the year surrounding the vernal equinox which is ideal for New Moon spotters north of the tropics. The young Moon being north of the ecliptic is also helpful, but being not far from apogee hurts a bit. North Americans, especially those on the West Coast, may want to give a shot at spotting a less than day-old Moon on May 3. Everyone should have better luck on May 4. For many it will appear as the Lunar Boat, i.e. a crescent positioned like a “U” as though it were a floating canoe.
I’ve created three graphics previewing the western sky as viewed after sunset from Chicagoland on May 3, 4 & 5. They should well serve most North American observers. They can be seen by clicking: www.CurtRenz.com/moon
Also on my Moon webpage is a panorama including each Diana’s Bow in 2011. That’s a waxing crescent Moon about 10% illuminated and aged about three days. The name is a reference to the archery equipment of the ancient Roman goddess of the Moon and hunting. The graphic nicely illustrates how we’re now at a good time of the year for viewing a waxing crescent Moon.
Photos and descriptions of the May New Moon would be welcome additions to this thread. Please include the date, time, time zone and location. Good Luck!
Below is the photo I took of the Moon from Arlington Heights, Illinois when it was aged 30:42 hrs on 2007 MAY 17 at 21:10 CDT with Mercury at the center left.
We are still in the period of the year surrounding the vernal equinox which is ideal for New Moon spotters north of the tropics. The young Moon being north of the ecliptic is also helpful, but being not far from apogee hurts a bit. North Americans, especially those on the West Coast, may want to give a shot at spotting a less than day-old Moon on May 3. Everyone should have better luck on May 4. For many it will appear as the Lunar Boat, i.e. a crescent positioned like a “U” as though it were a floating canoe.
I’ve created three graphics previewing the western sky as viewed after sunset from Chicagoland on May 3, 4 & 5. They should well serve most North American observers. They can be seen by clicking: www.CurtRenz.com/moon
Also on my Moon webpage is a panorama including each Diana’s Bow in 2011. That’s a waxing crescent Moon about 10% illuminated and aged about three days. The name is a reference to the archery equipment of the ancient Roman goddess of the Moon and hunting. The graphic nicely illustrates how we’re now at a good time of the year for viewing a waxing crescent Moon.
Photos and descriptions of the May New Moon would be welcome additions to this thread. Please include the date, time, time zone and location. Good Luck!
Below is the photo I took of the Moon from Arlington Heights, Illinois when it was aged 30:42 hrs on 2007 MAY 17 at 21:10 CDT with Mercury at the center left.
