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[Centaur]

It’s nearly time for my monthly naked-eye New Moon spotting challenge. Some sharp-eyed North Americans might spot the less than a day-old Moon on April 29. Others should have better luck the next evening.

My more detailed article describing the waxing crescent Moon’s first appearance of the coming lunar month appears under the links for my preview graphics at www.CurtRenz.com/moon

Photos and descriptions of the young Moon would be welcome additions to this thread. Please include your location, date and time with zone.

Below is a photo that I shot from Arlington Heights, Illinois of the Old Moon in the New Moon’s Arms  above Mercury. The Moon was aged 1.3 days on 2007 MAY 17 at 21:10 CDT.

[Paulie pchris00]

It's been months since there was a clear night for a young crescent Moon. Will try, it Mother Nature plays her part.

[Paulie pchris00]

It was cloudy Tuesday night, so I did not get to see Luna less than a day old, and with this week's forecast, I really wasn't expecting to see her for quite awhile. I lucked out last night, though. The sky cleared just before sunset, and stayed that way for about an hour, as the Moon slipped towards the western horizon. What a nice surprise.




I first spotted Luna over the north side of Valparaiso at 7:50 PM CDST, though this picture was taken 25 minutes later, at 8:15.








By 8:40 PM, the clouds were moving in again, concealing Luna before she set. Jupiter is visible to the upper left.

[Centaur]

Glad you got to see the slim crescent, Paulie. Thanks for sharing your fine photos and description. 

We're working on developing a star party at Turner Camp when the Moon is young again. May 31 is the target. My brother Kent is in the process of checking with officials regarding the ability of non-members to camp out overnight.