Post by Centaur on Sept 21, 2011 23:06:46 GMT -6
Who will be the first to spot the September New Moon with naked eyes after sunset? The Dark Moon will be in geocentric longitudinal conjunction with the Sun on 2011 SEP 27 at 11:09 UT (06:09 CDT). We are in the period of the year surrounding the autumnal equinox in which the early spotting of a New Moon is difficult for northern hemisphere observers. The young Moon’s southern ecliptical latitude at this point in the 18.6-year nodal cycle will also be unhelpful. So there’s more of a challenge for you to accept.
I’ve created two graphics previewing the western sky as viewed after sunset from Chicagoland on September 28 & 29. They should well serve most North American observers. Most observers will not likely have luck until at least the 29th. Venus, Saturn and Spica may be helpful signposts. The previews 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 the season of the year affects the viewing of a waxing crescent Moon.
Photos and descriptions of the September New Moon would be welcome additions to this thread. Please include the date, time, time zone and location. Good Luck!
Below is a photo I took from Arlington Heights, Illinois of the Moon aged 2.5 days on 2007 SEP 13 at 19:36 CDT. That Moon was positioned similarly to what you might expect to see on 2011 SEP 29.
I’ve created two graphics previewing the western sky as viewed after sunset from Chicagoland on September 28 & 29. They should well serve most North American observers. Most observers will not likely have luck until at least the 29th. Venus, Saturn and Spica may be helpful signposts. The previews 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 the season of the year affects the viewing of a waxing crescent Moon.
Photos and descriptions of the September New Moon would be welcome additions to this thread. Please include the date, time, time zone and location. Good Luck!
Below is a photo I took from Arlington Heights, Illinois of the Moon aged 2.5 days on 2007 SEP 13 at 19:36 CDT. That Moon was positioned similarly to what you might expect to see on 2011 SEP 29.
