Who will be the first to spot the early autumn New Moon with naked eyes after sunset? The Dark Moon was in geocentric longitudinal conjunction with the Sun on 2008 SEP 29 at 08:12 UT (03:12 CDT). The first opportunity for North Americans will come on October 1. Venus will serve as a guide. Here in the months surrounding the autumnal equinox, young Moon spotting can be difficult for northern observers as the twilight ecliptic has tilted toward an unfavorable position.
I’ve created a graphic previewing the western sky as viewed from Chicagoland 25 minutes after sunset on October 1, although it should well serve most North Americans. The Moon will be visible about 5° to the lower left of Venus. The graphic can be seen by clicking: http://www.curtrenz.com/astronomical.html
Photos or descriptions of the early autumn 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 30 minutes after sunset on 2007 SEP 13 of the Moon aged 2.5 days, circumstances similar to what we might expect this year on October 1.
I’ve created a graphic previewing the western sky as viewed from Chicagoland 25 minutes after sunset on October 1, although it should well serve most North Americans. The Moon will be visible about 5° to the lower left of Venus. The graphic can be seen by clicking: http://www.curtrenz.com/astronomical.html
Photos or descriptions of the early autumn 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 30 minutes after sunset on 2007 SEP 13 of the Moon aged 2.5 days, circumstances similar to what we might expect this year on October 1.
For astronomical graphics, including
monthly wallpaper calendar, visit:
CurtRenz.com/astronomical
Curt Renz
