Who will be the first to spot the December New Moon with naked eyes after sunset? The Dark Moon will be in geocentric longitudinal conjunction with the Sun on 2008 DEC 27 at 12:22 UT (06:22 CST). The first opportunity for North Americans will come on December 28. We’ve now moved into the half of the year that is more favorable for spotting a young Moon from the northern hemisphere than it has been. Although the best months are those surrounding the vernal equinox, i.e. February through May.
I’ve created a graphic previewing the southwestern sky as viewed from Chicagoland 25 minutes after sunset on December 28, although it should well serve most North Americans. Mercury and Jupiter will serve as nearby guides with Venus further off. The graphic can be seen by clicking: http://www.curtrenz.com/astronomical.html
Photos or descriptions of the December New Moon would be welcome additions to this thread. Please include the date, time, time zone and location. Good Luck!
I’ve created a graphic previewing the southwestern sky as viewed from Chicagoland 25 minutes after sunset on December 28, although it should well serve most North Americans. Mercury and Jupiter will serve as nearby guides with Venus further off. The graphic can be seen by clicking: http://www.curtrenz.com/astronomical.html
Photos or descriptions of the December New Moon would be welcome additions to this thread. Please include the date, time, time zone and location. Good Luck!
For astronomical graphics, including
monthly wallpaper calendar, visit:
CurtRenz.com/astronomical
Curt Renz