Who will be the first to spot the March New Moon with naked eyes after sunset? Similar to last month this will present an opportunity for those of us north of the tropics to witness an unusual Lunar Boat, i.e. a crescent Moon in a U-shape. Some call it a Cheshire Cat smile. The Dark Moon will be in geocentric longitudinal conjunction with the Sun on 2010 MAR 15 at 21:01 UT (16:01 CDT). North Americans should have a good chance of sighting in the western sky a Moon just a little more than a day old shortly after sunset on March 16th. Bright Venus will serve as a guide about 7° to the left of the Moon.
I’ve created a graphic previewing the western sky from Chicagoland 25 minutes after sunset on March 16th. It should well serve most North American observers. It can be seen by clicking: http://www.curtrenz.com/astronomical then going to the Moon page.
Photos and descriptions of the March New Moon would be welcome additions to this thread. Please include the date, time, time zone and location. Good Luck!
Below is a Lunar Boat photo I took nearly a year ago from Arlington Heights, Illinois of the Moon aged 31:46 hrs on 2009 MAR 27.
I’ve created a graphic previewing the western sky from Chicagoland 25 minutes after sunset on March 16th. It should well serve most North American observers. It can be seen by clicking: http://www.curtrenz.com/astronomical then going to the Moon page.
Photos and descriptions of the March New Moon would be welcome additions to this thread. Please include the date, time, time zone and location. Good Luck!
Below is a Lunar Boat photo I took nearly a year ago from Arlington Heights, Illinois of the Moon aged 31:46 hrs on 2009 MAR 27.
For astronomical graphics, including
monthly wallpaper calendar, visit:
CurtRenz.com/astronomical
Curt Renz