Autumn begins on September 22^nd, when the Autumnal Equinox occurs. The Autumnal Equinox occurs when the tilt of the Earth is in tangent with the orbit of Earth around the Sun.  This point marks the beginning of Autumn.  An Equinox has an equal amount of daylight and nighttime.

The New Moon for September occurs on Wednesday, September 8^th, which will make the weekends of September 4-5 and September 11-12 good times for dark sky observing.

The Full Moon for September occurs on September 21^st, the day before the Autumnal Equinox.  Since this Full Moon is the closest full moon to the equinox it is the Harvest Moon and the following full moon on October 22^nd is then the Hunter’s Moon.

Mercury re-emerges into the morning hours from the sunrise around September 11th, ends it’s retrograde motion and by September 19^th reaches its best position for morning observation when it reaches its Greatest Western Elongation. 

On September 19th, Mercury will be 17°52’ from the Sun and rise 1 hour, 12 minutes before sunrise.

Mercury starts September located in the constellation Sextans (The Sextant) and as it emerges into the morning of September 11th, crosses into the constellation Leo (The Lion).  Finally, on September 29^th, Mercury moves into the constellation Virgo (The Maiden).

Venus is still the Evening Star this month and begins September in the constellation Virgo (The Maiden) and on September 24^th crosses into the constellation Libra (The Balance).

Venus begins this month a mere 1°20’ from the Star Spica and less
than 4°30’ from Mars.

On September 11th, the waxing, crescent Moon passes less
than 0°30’ from Venus.

Mars is observable in the evening this month.  At the start of September, Mars sets around 8:05 pm (PDT) and by the end of the month Mars sets around 7:05 pm  (PDT).

Mars starts September in the constellation Virgo (The Maiden), and by the end of month, Mars sets around 7:05 pm (PDT).
On September 5^th, Mars is a mere 2° from the star Spica.

On September 10^th, Venus, Mars, the star Spica and the waxing,
crescent Moon are grouped within 6 to 8° from each other.

Since Jupiter is reaching opposition this month on September 21^st, it is in excellent position for observation.  Jupiter is up all night and is at it’s closest point to Earth in its orbit.  Jupiter can be found in the constellation Pisces (The Fish) for the entire month.

Jupiter is in proximity to the planet Uranus all month and is a great starting point for location Uranus. By September 18^th, Jupiter and Uranus are less than 0°50’ from each other and they both reach opposition on the same date, September 21^st!

On September 22^nd, the Full Moon is within 6° of Jupiter and Uranus,
which may make it difficult to observe Uranus on that night.

Saturn is located in the constellation Virgo (The Maiden) until December 2012 and is visible during the evening hours just after sunset during the first half of September. By September 13th, Saturn is disappearing into the glare of the Sunset.

On September 9^th, the waxing, crescent Moon passes within 10° of Saturn.

Since Uranus is reaching opposition this month on September 21^st, it is in excellent position for observation.  Uranus is up all night and is at it’s closest point to Earth in its orbit.  Uranus can be found in the constellation Pisces (The Fish) until May 2012.

Uranus is in proximity to the planet Jupiter all month which is a great starting point for location Uranus. By September 18^th, Jupiter and Uranus are less than 0°50’ from each other and they both reach opposition on the same date, September 21^st!

On September 22^nd, the Full Moon is within 6° of Jupiter and Uranus, which may make it difficult to observe Uranus on that night.

Neptune can be observed in the constellation Capricornus (The Sea Goat) until January 2011.  Neptune is observable until the very early morning hours of September. At the start of September Neptune sets around 4:30 am (PDT) and by the end of the month sets around 2:30 am (PDT).

On September 20^th the waxing, gibbous Moon passes about 4° from Neptune’s position.

Pluto is located in the constellation Sagittarius (The Archer) until the year 2023.  Pluto can be observe during the evening to very early morning hours this month. At the beginning of September Pluto sets around 12:30 am (PDT) and by the end, sets around 10:30 pm (PDT).

On September 15th, the waxing, gibbous Moon passes within 5°30’ of Pluto.

9/1/2010 Last Quarter Moon

9/1/2010 Venus is less than 1°20′ from the star Spica and less than 4°30′ from Mars

9/5/2010 Mars is less than 2° from the star Spica.

9/8/2010 New Moon

9/9/2010 Waxing, Crescent Moon passes within 10° of Saturn

9/11/2010 Waxing, crescent Moon passes within 0°50′ of Venus

9/14/2010 First Quarter Moon

9/15/2010 Waxing, gibbous Moon less than 5°30′ of Pluto

9/18/2010 Jupiter and Uranus at conjunction within 0°50′

9/19/2010 Mercury reaches its Greastes Western Elongation - Best Morning View (17°52′11″)

9/20/2010 Waxing, gibbous Moon about 4° from Neptune

9/21/2010 Both Jupiter and Uranus reach Opposition

9/22/2010 Fall begins with the Autumnal equinox

9/22/2010 The Full Moon passes less than 6° of Jupiter and Uranus

9/23/2010 Full Harvest Moon

9/30/2010 Last Quarter Moon

The shower can be seen just fine with the naked eye, especially without the moon’s interference this year. The shower radiates from the constellation Perseus, but you should be able to spot the shower even if you’re not sure where in the sky that is. In order to see it clearly, if you live near a brightly-lit area, drive northeast to a darker area (if you drive south, the light pollution may affect the sky where you’re trying to see the shower). If you can see all of the stars of the Little Dipper, it should be dark enough to see the shower.

The best way to view the shower is if you setup as if you’re watching a fireworks show: bring a reclining chair or blanket so you can lay back to watch the sky. That way you don’t have to strain your neck to watch the shower. On August 12 and 13, you should be able to see the shower from around midnight until the sun rises and, in optimal conditions, you’ll see about 1 comet a minute. Even in less-than-perfect conditions, though, you should see around 25 meteors an hour.

This is the relative position of the center of the Perseid Meteor Shower at midnight of August 13 and 13. the constellation Perseius is rising in the north east. While Meteor may appear in any portion of the sky, most Perseid Meteors will appear to radiate from this point near the constellation Perseius.

Please Note: The above article is made possible by the research and writing of JJ Stamm - Thank you JJ

The New Moon for August occurs on Monday, August 9^th, which makes the weekend of August 7-8 the best weekend for dark sky observation.

The Full Moon for August happens on August 24^th and is known as the Full Corn Moon or Full Fruit Moon.

Mercury is visible in the evening for the entire month of August. Mercury begin this month in the constellation Leo (The Lion) and begins to cross the corner of the constellation Sextans (The Sextant) on August 5^th. On August 7^th, Mercury finishes crossing the corner of Sextans and returns into the constellation Leo. On August 20^th Mercury changes direction starting its retrograde motion toward the Sun and by August 31^st, returns to the constellation Sextans.

Mercury reaches its optimal viewing position on August 6^th, when it reaches it’s Greatest Eastern Elongation.  At that time Mercury will be 27°22’01” from the Sun and will set about 1 hour 50 minutes after sunset.

On August 11th the waxing, crescent Moon will pass within 3° of Mercury.

Venus is also observable in the evening for the entire month of August.  In the very earliest hours of August Venus crosses from the constellation Leo (The Lion) to the constellation Virgo (The Maiden) where it will remain located for the rest of the month.

Venus reaches its optimal observing position on August 19^th, as it reaches it’s Greatest Eastern Elongation and is in position for its best evening distance from the Sun.  At this time Venus will be 45°57’32” from the Sun and will set 3 hours after sunset.

Venus is a member of several conjunctions and grouping of other planetary object this month, including:

On August 8^th, Venus and Saturn will be less than 2°50’ apart.

On August 12th, Venus, Saturn, Mars and the waxing, crescent Moon will be within 10° of each other.

On August 20^th, Venus and Mars will pass within 2° of each other.

Finally on August 31st, Venus will pass within 1° of the Star Spica.

Mars is observable during the evening Hours of August in the constellation Virgo (The Maiden). Mars sets around 10:20 pm (PDT) at the start of August, and by the end of the month, sets around 9:10 pm (PDT).

On August 12th, Venus, Saturn, Mars and the waxing, crescent Moon will be within 10° of each other.

On August 20^th, Venus and Mars will pass within 2° of each other.

Jupiter is located in the constellation Pisces (The Fish),  moving in retrograde, this month and can be observed from the late evening to morning hours of August. Jupiter rises around 10:25 pm (PDT) at the start of the month, and by the end of August is rising as early as 8:30 pm (PDT).

On August 26th, the waning, gibbous Moon passes with 5°50’ of Jupiter. Jupiter is a great place to start if your are hunting Uranus this month.  They are in proximity to each other for the entire month. Look for Jupiter at the opposite side of the sky from Saturn; as Jupiter rises in the East, Saturn is setting in the West.

Located in the constellation Virgo (The Maiden) until December 2012, Saturn is observable during the evening hours of August. Saturn sets around 10:20 pm (PDT) at the start of August , and by the end of the month, sets around 8:30 pm (PDT).  Look for Saturn at the opposite side of the sky from Jupiter; as Jupiter rises in the East, Saturn is setting in the West.

On August 12th, Venus, Saturn, Mars and the waxing, crescent Moon will be within 10° of each other.

Uranus is located in the constellation Pisces (The Fish) until May 2012.

At the beginning of the month, Uranus rises around 10:15 pm (PDT), and by the end of August, it rises around 8:15 pm (PDT).

Neptune is in optimal position for the year for observation as it reaches Opposition on August 20^th. 

Neptune will be observable all month and is at its closes point to Earth for the year.  Moving in retrograde, Neptune begins the month in the constellation Aquarius (The Water Bearer) and on August 13th crosses into the constellation Capricornus (the Sea Goat) where it can be found until January 2011.

On August 24^th, the Full Moon will pass within 3°40’ of Neptune which may make it difficult to observe on that night.

Pluto is located in the constellation Sagittarius until the year 2023 and is observable until the late evening hours of August.  At the start of the month, Pluto sets around 3:30 pm (PDT) and by the end of the month Pluto sets around 1:30 am (PDT).

On August 18^th, the waxing, gibbous Moon passes around 6° from Pluto.

8/2/2010 Last Quarter Moon

8/6/2010 Mercury reaches its Greatest Eastern Elongation - Best Evening View (27°22′01″)

8/8/2010 Venus and Saturn conjunction less than 2°50′ apart

8/9/2010 New Moon

8/10/2010 Waxing, crescent Moon less than 3° from Mercury

8/12/2010 Venus , Saturn, Mars and the waxing, crescent Moon within 10° of each other

8/16/2010 First Quarter Moon

8/18/2010 waxing, gibbous Moonn passes within 6° of Pluto

8/19/2010 Venus reaches its Greatest Eastern Elongation - Best Evening View (45°57′32″)

8/20/2010 Neptune reaches opposition

8/20/2010 Venus and Mars conjunction less than 2° apart

8/24/2010 Full corn Moon passes within 3°40′ of Neptune

8/26/2010 Waning, gibbous Moon passes within 5°50′ from Jupiter and less than 5°15′ of Uranus

8/31/2010 Venus in conjunction with the Star Spica within 1° of each other.

The New Moon for July occurs on Sunday, July 11 which will make the weekend of July 10-11 the very best for dark sky observing.

The Full Moon occurs on July 25^th and is known as the Full Sturgeon Moon or Full Grain Moon.

Total Solar Eclipse

On July 11th, there is a Total Eclipse of the Sun which will be visible across the South Pacific and can be partially visible to the south part of South America.

This movie shows the July 11, 2010 Solar Eclipse as view from the Moon. Note the Moon’s shadow moving west to east across the South Pacific. Each frame is one minute.

Aphelion - July 6, 2010

Mercury emerges into the evening sky from the glare of the Sunset around July 8^th.

Mercury begins July, hidden by the Sun, in the constellation Gemini (The Twins) and on July 8^th, as it crosses into the constellation Cancer (The Crab), it emerges from the glare of the Sun. On July 19^th, Mercury moves into the constellation Leo (The Lion).

On the evenings of July12th and 13th, Mercury can be observed passing through the Beehive Cluster (M44) and on July 12th, the waxing, crescent moon will pass less than 5° from Mercury.

On July 27th, Mercury and the Star Regulus will be in conjunction and be a mere 0°25’ apart.

Venus is the Evening Star and can be found in the constellation Leo (The Lion) for the entire month of July.

On July 9^th, Venus and the Star Regulus will be in conjunction less than 1° from each other.

On July 14^th, the waxing, crescent Moon will pass within 6°45’ of Venus.

Mars is observable in the evening hours all month. Mars set at the start of July around 11:35 pm (PDT) and by the end of the month is setting around 10:20 pm (PDT).

Mars begins July in the constellation Leo (The Lion) and on July 17^th passes into the constellation Virgo (The Maiden).

On July 15^th, Mars sets less than 7° of waxing, crescent Moon.

July 31^st finds Mars and Saturn in conjunction less than 1°50’

from each other.

Jupiter can be found in the constellation Pisces (The Fish) from the very late evening to morning hours of July. Jupiter rises around 12:30 am (PDT) at the start of July and by the end rises around 10:30 pm (PDT).

On July 3^rd, the waning, gibbous Moon sets about 7° from Jupiter.

On July 23^rd, Jupiter begins retrograde motion across the sky moving each night from West to East.

On July 30, the waning, gibbous Moon passes less than 6° from Jupiter.

Saturn is located in the constellation Virgo (The Maiden) until December 2012. Saturn is observable from the very late evening hours through the morning, rising around 12:20 am (PDT) at the start of July and by the end rising around 10:25 pm (PDT).

July 31^st find Mars and Saturn in conjunction less than 1°50’
from each other.

Uranus can be found in the vicinity of the planet Jupiter all month. Uranus is located in the constellation Pisces (The Fish) until May 2012. Uranus is observable from the very late evening hours though morning this month. At the start of July Uranus rises around 12:20 pm (PDT) and by the end of the month rises around 10:20 pm (PDT).

On July 3^rd, the waning, gibbous Moon passes within 5°45’ of Uranus.

On July 30^th the waning, gibbous Moon passes within 5°30’ of Uranus.

Moving in retrograde this month, Neptune is located in the constellation Aquarius (The Water Bearer) for the entire month of July. Neptune can be observed from the very late evening hours though morning. Uranus rises about 12:20 am (PDT) at the start of July, and by the end, rises around 10:20 pm (PDT).

On July 27th, the waning, gibbous Moon passes within 3°35’ of Neptune.

Pluto is located in the constellation Sagittarius (The Archer) until the year 2023.  Pluto is in excellent position for observing and is up all night all month.

On July 23rd, the waxing, gibbous Moon passes with 6° of Pluto.

]]> http://astroplanet.info/?feed=rss2&p=244 http://astroplanet.info/?p=281 http://astroplanet.info/?p=281#comments Tue, 22 Jun 2010 22:42:05 +0000 admin http://astroplanet.info/?p=281
The image shows the path of McNaught from June 20 to July 12, 2010

C/2009 R1 (McNaught), known colloquially as Comet McNaught (though it is only one of 54 comets named for Robert H. McNaught of the Siding Spring Observatory in Australia), was discovered on September 9, 2009. He was using the 0.5-m Uppsala Schmidt telescope and a CCD camera when he discovered it.

Comets brighten as they get closer to the sun because solar radiation boils icy particles and dust off of the comet’s nucleus, which is what we see. A major factor in a comet becoming visible to the naked eye is its tail. Comets typically display two types of tails: gas and dust. Gas tails are straight and narrow, but they are difficult to see against the dark sky because they appear blue. Dust tails are normally fan-shaped, but easier to see because of their yellow color. Despite Comet McNaught only having a stubby dust tail, though, it has become bright enough to see with the naked eye (in the correct conditions).

Comet McNaught’s perihelion (the point at which it’s closest to the sun) will be on July 2, when it’s about 38 million miles from the sun (about the same distance as Mercury). It became visible to the naked eye (in dark skies) around June 9, 2010 and will be at its brightest from June 30 to July 2. Unfortunately, its altitude is quickly getting too low to be seen. On June 15, it was 20 degrees above the horizon; June 20, 15 degrees. By June 25, it will be barely visible in the morning and evening sky at about 6 degrees above the horizon.

This movie shows the path of the Comet McNaught from June 20 to July 13, 2010 around Sunset. Each frame is one day.

Please Note: The above article is made possible by the research and writing of JJ Stamm -  Thank you JJ

Summer begins on June 21^st, when the Summer Solstice occurs. The Summer Solstice occurs when the tilt of the Earth is pointed directly toward the Sun.  This point marks the beginning of Summer.  The Summer Solstice has the longest amount of daylight and the shortest night.

The New Moon for June occurs on Saturday June 12th, which makes that weekend June 12-13 a fantastic weekend for dark sky observing.

The Full Moon for June occurs on June 16^th, and is known as the Full Buck Moon or Full Hay Moon.  Since it is also the closest Full moon to the Summer Solstice, it is also the Full Honey Moon.

There is also a Umbral Lunar Eclipse at this Full Moon on June 26^th.  The Eclipse will be visible to the West coast of North and South America, the Pacific, Australia and some parts of Southeast Asia.

Please note: On Quicktime movies below, Window 64-bit may not display the controls to play the movie. Simply double-click on the movie to play.

This movie shows the eclipse as viewed from the Moon. The Area seen of the Earth is the area that can see the Earth’s shadow on the Moon. Each frame is one minute.

This movie shows the eclipse as viewed from Honolulu, Hawaii. Each frame is one minute.

This movie shows the Lunar Eclipse as view from Los Angeles. The moon sets about an hour after the eclipse maximum so the end of the eclipse will be missed by those of us on the West Coast.

From Los Angeles (my local time) the Lunar Eclipse will not be seen to completetion since Sunrise (and Moon Set) occur a bit over an hour after the Eclipse hits its maximum point. Los Angeles time table (PDT) is as follows:

Mercury is visible as the Morning Star in June until June 19^th, when it disappears into the glare of the sunrise.

Mercury begins June in the constellation Aries (The Ram) and on June 5^th, crosses into the constellation Taurus (The Bull).  On June 25^th, hidden by the glare of the Sun,  Mercury crosses into the constellation Gemini (The Twins).

Venus is the Evening Star this month.

Venus begins June in the constellation Gemini (The Twins) and on June 12th, croses into the constellation Cancer (The Crab), and finally on June 20^th, Venus will move into the constellation Leo (The Lion).

On June 14^th, a waxing, crescent Moon will passes within 4°35’ of Venus.

On June 20^th, Venus passes through the Beehive Cluster (M44).

Mars is observable in the evening hours of June all month, in the constellation Leo (The Lion).

Mars sets around 12:50 am (PDT) at the start of June, and by the end of the month sets around 11:30 pm (PDT).

June 6^th finds Mars in conjunction with the Star Regulus, passing
within 0°50’.

On June 17^th, the waxing, crescent Moon passes within 5°50’ of Mars.

Jupiter is observable in the morning hours of June in the constellation Pisces (The Fish).  At the start of the month Jupiter rises around 2:15 am (PDT), and by the end of the month, Jupiter sets around 12:20 am (PDT).

On June 5^th a waning, crescent Moon will pass less than 5°40’ of Jupiter.

On June 7^th, the planets Jupiter and Uranus are in conjunction and
will be less than 0°25’ of each other.

Saturn is located in the constellation Virgo (The Maiden) until December 2012. Saturn is observable from the evening to late evening hours of June. At the start of the month, Saturn set around 2:20 am (PDT) and by the end of the month, Saturn sets around 12:20 am (PDT).

On June 18^th, the First Quarter Moon passes within 8°20’ of Saturn.

Uranus can be observed in the constellation Pisces (The Fish) until May 2012. Uranus can be observed during the morning hours of June in the vicinity of Jupiter.  Uranus rises around 2:15 am (PDT) at the start of June and by the end of the month rises around 12:20 pm (PDT).

On June 5^th a waning, crescent Moon will pass less than 5°15’ of Uranus.

On June 7^th, the planets Jupiter and Uranus are in conjunction and will
be less than 0°25’ of each other.

Neptune is found in the constellation Aquarius (The Water Bearer) until August. Neptune rises during the late evening hours of June; rising around 12:30 am (PDT) at the start of the month and around 10:55 pm (PDT) by the end of the month.

On June 3^rd, the waning, gibbous Moon passes within 4° of Neptune.

On June 30^th, the waning, crescent moon rises about 4° from Neptune.

Pluto is found in the constellation Sagittarius (The Archer) until the year 2023.  Pluto is in excellent position to be observed this month since it is up from almost the entire night during June.

On June 26^th, the Full Moon, during the Lunar Eclipse, will pass within

7°10’ of Pluto.

6/3/2010 Waning, gibbous Moon passes within 4° of Neptune

6/4/2010 Last Quarter Moon

6/5/2010 Waning, crescent Moon passes less than 5°15′ from Uranus and less than 5°40′ of Jupiter

6/6/2010 Mars in conjunction with the Star Regulus less than 0°50′ from each other.

6/7/2010 Jupiter and Uranus at conjunction less than 0°25′ from each other.

6/12/2010 New Moon

6/14/2010 Waxing, crescent Moon passes within 4°35′ of Venus.

6/17/2010 Waxing, crescent Moon passes within 5°50′ of Mars.

6/18/2010 First Quarter Moon less than 8°20′ from Saturn

6/19/2010 Mercury disappears into the glare of the morning sunrise.

6/20/2010 Venus passes through the Beehive Cluster (M44)

6/21/2010 Summer begins at the Summer Solstice

6/26/2010 Full Buck Moon (Honey Moon) goes into a Umbral Lunar Eclipse as it passes within 7°10′ of Pluto

6/30/2010 Waning, gibbous Moon about 4° of Neptune

The New Moon for May occurs on Thursday, May 13th.  This will make the Weekend of May 15-16 the best weekend for dark sky observing.

The Full Moon for May occurs on May 27^th and is known as the “Full Strawberry Moon” or “Full Rose Moon.”

Mercury appears to the morning hours on May 5^th and will be visible as the Morning Star for the rest of the month.

Mercury will reach it’s best morning view on May 25^th, when it reaches it’s Greatest Western Elongation and is 25°7’46” from the Sun. Note the red line is the orbit of Mercury and the green line is the Ecliptic.

Mercury begins May in the constellation Aries (The Ram), and on May 9^th, Mercury crosses into the constellation Pisces (The Fish).  On May 14^th, Mercury moves into the constellation Cetus (The Sea Monster) until May 22^nd when it returns to the constellation Aries.

On May 12th as Mercury ends its retrograde motion, the waning, crescent Moon will pass less than 6°40’ of Mercury.

Venus is the Evening Star All Month and is visible after sunset.

Venus begins this month in the constellation Taurus (The Bull) until May 19^th, when it crosses into the constellation Gemini (The Twins).

On May 21^st, Venus passes less than 0°50’ from the Open Star cluster known as M35.

On May 27^th, Venus is in near conjunction with the Double Star Mensuta, in Gemini, and passes less than 0°25’ of Mensuta.

Mars is still in great position for observation in the evening this month.  At the start of May, Mars sets around 2:15 am (PDT) and by the end of the month, Mars sets around 12:50 am (PDT).

Mars begins the month in the constellation Cancer (The Crab) and on May 12th, Mars crosses into the constellation Leo (The Lion).

On May 19^th, the waxing, crescent Moon sets within 5°45’ of Mars.

Jupiter is observable in the morning hours of May.  At the beginning of May, Jupiter rises around 4:05 am (PDT) and by the end of May it rises, less than 1° away from Uranus, around 2:20 am (PDT).

Jupiter starts the month in the constellation Aquarius (The Water Bearer), But crosses into the constellation Pisces (The Fish) on May 2^nd where it remains for the rest of May.

On May 9^th, Jupiter rises less than 5°10’ of the waning, crescent Moon and less than 4° of the planet Uranus.  Jupiter continues to move closer to Uranus throughout the month of May, ending May less than 1° of Uranus. Jupiter and Uranus will reach conjunction on June 7^th.

Saturn is located in the constellation Virgo (The Maiden) until December 2012 and is observable during the evening to mid-night hours of May.  Saturn sets around 4:20 am (PDT) at the start of May, and by the end of the month, sets around 2:20 am (PDT).

On May 22^nd, the waxing, gibbous Moon passes within 7°45’ of Saturn.

Uranus is located in the constellation Pisces (The Fish) until May 2012. This month, Uranus can be observed in the morning hours before sunrise.  At the start of May, Uranus rises around 4:15 am (PDT) and by the end of the month, Uranus rises around 2:20 am (PDT) and is less than 1° from Jupiter. Jupiter and Uranus will reach conjunction on June 7^th.

Neptune is observable in the morning hours of May. At the start of May, Neptune rises around 2:55 am (PDT) and by the end of the month, Neptune rises around 12:50 am (PDT).  Neptune is located in the constellation Capricornus (The Sea Goat) until August.

On May 7^th the waning, crescent Moon passes less than 3°30’ from Neptune.

Pluto is located in the constellation Sagittarius (The Archer) until the year 2023.  Pluto can be observed in the mid-night to morning hours of May.  Pluto rises around 12:25 am (PDT) at the start of May and by the end of the month, Pluto rises as early as 9:20 pm (PDT).

The waning, gibbous Moon passes less than 6° of Pluto on May 2^nd.

5/2/2010 Waning, gibbous Moon passes within 6° of Pluto

5/5/2010 Last Quarter Moon

5/7/2010 Waning, crescent Moon passes within 3°30′ of Neptune

5/9/2010 Jupiter rises less than 5°10′ from waning, crescent Moon and less than 4° from Uranus

5/9/2010 Waning, crescent Moon passes less than 5°35′ from Uranus

5/12/2010 Waning, crescent Moon passes within 6°40′ of Mercury

5/13/2010 New Moon

5/19/2010 Waxing, crescent Moon sets within 5°45′ of Mars

5/20/2010 First Quarter Moon

5/21/2010 Venus passes less than 0°50′ of the open star cluster M35

5/22/2010 Waxing, gibbous Moon passes less than 7°45′ from Saturn

5/25/2010 Mercury reaches its Greatest Western Elongation - Best Morning Views (25°07′46″)

5/27/2010 Full Strawberry Moon

5/27/2010 Venus in conjunction with the double star Mebsuta in Gemini, less than 0°25′

5/31/2010 Jupiter and Uranus less than 1° from each other.

The new moon for April occurs on Wednesday April 14^th.  This will make the weekends on April 10-11 and April 17-18 good weekends for dark sky observing.

The full Moon for this month occurs on April 28^th and is known as the Full Flower Moon or the Full Corn Planting Moon.

Mercury starts this month by crossing from the constellation Pisces (The fish) into the constellation Aries (The Ram).  Mercury will remain in Aries for the duration of the month.

On April 1st, Venus and Mercury will be a mere 3°10’ from each other.

Mercury reaches its best evening observing on April 8, when it reaches its Greatest Eastern Elongation.  On the 8th, Mercury will be 19°20’60” from the Sun. Note: The Red line is the orbit of Mercury and the green line is the Ecliptic.

Mercury is observable in the evening hours of April until the 21^st, when it disappears into the glare of the Sunset.

Venus is the Evening Star for the month of April. Venus begins the month in the constellation Aries (The Ram) and on April 19^th, Mercury crosses into the constellation Taurus (The Bull).

On April 1st, Venus and Mercury will be a mere 3°10’ from each other.

On April 24^th, Venus will pass within 3°40’ of the asterism Pleiades (M45).

Mars is still in excellent position for the evening and late hours of April and is located in the constellation Cancer (The Crab) for the entire month.  Mars sets around 2:45 am (PST) at the start of april and sets around 1:15am (PST) by the end of the month.

During April, Mars can be found in the general vicinity of the Beehive Cluster (M44).  On April 16^th, Mars will pass within 1°10’ of the Beehive Cluster.

Jupiter is observable in the morning hours of April in the constellation Aquarius (The Water Bearer).  Jupiter rises at the start of April around 4:45 am (PST) and by the end of the month is rising around 3:10 am (PST).

On April 11th, the waning, crescent moon will pass within 4°50’ of the Jupiter.

Saturn is located in the constellation Virgo (The Maiden) until December 2012.  Saturn is observable in the evening and very late hours of April. At the start of the month Saturn sets around 5:25 am (PST) and by the end of the month Saturn will set around 3:25 am (PST).

On April 25th, Saturn rises within 10° of the waxing, gibbous moon.

Uranus emerges from the glare of the sunrise around April 2^nd. Uranus is observable in the morning hours before sunrise.  At the beginning of April Uranus rises around 5:10 am (PST) and, by the end of April, Uranus rises around 3:20 am (PST). Uranus is located in the constellation Pisces (The Fish) until May 2012.

On April 12th, the waning, crescent moon passes within 5°15’ of Uranus.

Located in the constellation Aquarius (The Water Bearer) until August 2010, Neptune is observable in the early morning hours of April. Neptune rises at the start of the month around 3:50 am (PST) and by the end of the month Neptune rises around 2:00 am (PST).

On April 9^th, the waning, crescent moon passes within 3°50’ of Neptune.

Pluto is located in the constellation Sagittarius (The Archer) until the year 2023.  Pluto is observable from the very early morning hours of April.  At the start of the month Pluto rises around 12:30 am (PST) and, by the end of the month, Pluto rises around 10:40 pm (PST).

On April 5^th, the waning, gibbous moon passes within 5° of Pluto.

4/1/2010 Mercury and Venus conjunction less than 3°10′ of each other

4/5/2010 Waning, gibbous Moon passes within 5° of Pluto

4/6/2010 Last Quarter Moon

4/8/2010 Mercury reaches its Greatest Eastern Elongation - Best Evening Views (19°20′46″)

4/9/2010 Waning, crescent Moon passes within 3°50′ of Neptune

4/11/2010 Waning, crescent Moon passes within 4°50′ of Jupiter

4/12/2010 Waning, crescent Moon passes within 5°15′ of Uranus

4/14/2010 New Moon

4/16/2010 Mars passes within 1°10′ of the Beehive cluster (M44)

4/21/2010 First Quarter Moon

4/24/2010 Venus passes less than 3°40′ of the asterism Pleiades (M45)

4/25/2010 Saturn rises within 10° of the waxing, crescent Moon.

4/28/2010 Full Flower Moon

Spring begins on March 20^th when the Spring Equinox occurs. The Spring Equinox occurs when the tilt of the Earth is in tangent with the orbit of Earth around the Sun.  This point marks the beginning of Spring.  An Equinox has an equal amount of daylight and nighttime.

The New Moon for March occurs on Monday, March 15^th; this will make the weekend of March 13-14 as the best weekend for dark sky observing.

The Full Moon for March occurs on March 29^th and is known as the “Full Pink Moon” or the “Pascal Moon.”

On March 20^th, on the Spring Equinox, the waxing crescent Moon is passing through the asterism Pleiades (M45).

On March 25^th, the waxing, gibbous Moon passes within 3°30’ of the

Beehive Cluster (M44).

March 30^th finds the waning, gibbous Moon passing within 3°

of the star Spica.

Mercury is observable in the evening hours, after March 26^th as it emerges from the glare of the sunset.

On March 31^st, Mercury and Venus will be about 3°25’ of each other.

Unseen due to the position relative to the Sun, Mercury begins the month in the constellation Aquarius (The Water bearer) and on March 14^th, passes into the constellation Pisces (The Fish). On March 20^th, Mercury brief crosses into the constellation Cetus (The Sea Monster), and 13.5 hours later, returns to constellation Pisces where it finishes out the month.

Venus is observable all month in the evening hours of March.  Venus begins this month in the constellation Aquarius (The Water Bearer) and on March 3^rd crosses into the constellation Pisces (The Fish).  Starting March 12 Venus starts to cross the corner of the constellation Cetus (The Sea Monster) and returns to Pisces 50 hours later on March 14^th. Finally, Venus moves into the constellation Aries (The Ram) on March 30^th.

On March 3^rd, Venus passes less than 1° of Uranus.

On March 16^th, Venus sets within 6°20’ of the waxing, crescent moon.

Mars is located in the constellation Cancer (The Crab) all month and is visible from evening to early morning hour throughout March.  Mars is in excellent position for observation due to it reaching Opposition on January 29^th.  Mars sets around 4:40 am (PST) at the start of the month and by the end of the month is setting around 3:40 am (PDT)

On March 25, Mars sets less than 5°20’ of the waxing, gibbous moon.

Jupiter is located in the constellation Aquarius (The Water Bearer) all month. However Jupiter is not observable until around March 20^th when it emerges from the glare of the morning Sunrise; rising around 5:00am (PST).

This month Saturn will be in the absolute best position for observation as it reaches opposition on March 21, 2010.  Saturn is opposite to the sun relative to our position on Earth, so, Saturn will be up all night, rising as the Sun sets and setting when the Sun Rises.

Saturn is located in the constellation Virgo (The Maiden) until December, 2012.

On March 1^st, Saturn rises 7°35’ of the waning, gibbous Moon.

On March 29^th, Saturn rises within 8°15’ of the waxing, gibbous Moon.

The Planet Uranus is located in  the constellation Pisces (The Fish) until May of 2012.  Due to its position relative to the Sun, Uranus will on be observable this month.

Neptune can be observed this month just before sunrise.  It rises around 5:50 am (PST) at the start of the month and by the end of March, is rising around 4:55 am (PDT). On March 23^rd, Neptune crosses from the constellation Capricornus (The Sea Goat) to the constellation Aquarius (The Water Bearer) where it will remain until August.

On March 13th, Neptune rises within 3° of the waning, crescent moon.

Pluto is observable during most of  the morning hours of March.  Pluto rises around 2:30 am (PST) at the start of March and around 1:30 am (PDT), by the end of March.  The planet Pluto is located in the constellation Sagittarius (The Archer) until the year 2023.

On March 9^th, Pluto rises within 8° of the waning, crescent moon.

3/1/2010 Saturn rises within 7°35′ waning, gibbous Moon

3/3/2010 Venus passes within 1° of Uranus

3/7/2010 Last Quarter Moon

3/9/2010 Pluto rises within 8° of waning, crescent Moon

3/13/2010 Neptune rises less than 3° of waning, crescent Moon

3/14/2010 Daylight Savings Time begins in the US (Spring Ahead)

3/15/2010 New Moon

3/16/2010 Waxing, crescent Moon passes within 6°20′ of Venus

3/20/2010 Spring Begins at Vernal Equinox

3/20/2010 Waxing, crescent Moon passes through the asterism Pleiades (M45)

3/20/2010 Jupiter emerges from the glare of Sunrise

3/21/2010 Saturn reaches Opposition

3/23/2010 First Quarter Moon

3/25/2010 Waxing, Gibbous Moon passes less than 3°30′ of the Beehive Cluster (M44)

3/25/2010 Waxing, crescent Moon psets less than 5°20′ of Mars

3/26/2010 Mercury emerges from the glare of Sunset/

3/29/2010 Full Pink Moon

3/29/2010 Saturn rises less than 8°15′ of waxing, gibbous Moon

3/30/2010 Waning, gibbous Moon passes within 3° of the star Spica

3/31/2010 Venus passes within 3°25′ of Venus

The New Moon for February occurs on Saturday February 13th. This makes that weekend February 13-14 the absolute best weekend for dark sky observing.

The Full Moon occurs on February 28^th and is known as the Full Worm Moon or Full Lenten Moon.

Mercury is observable in the morning hours of the month and is located, at the start of the month, in the constellation Sagittarius (The Archer). On February 9^th, Mercury moves into the constellation Capricornus (The Sea Goat), and on February 27^th, Mercury moves into the constellation Aquarius (The Water Bearer).

Sunrise, February,27^th -
On February 27^th and 28^th Mercury passes

less than 2° of the planet Neptune.

At the end of the month Mercury is disappearing into the glare of the Sunrise.

The start of February finds Venus emerging from the Glare of the evening Sunset.  Venus is observable all evening, all month.  Venus begins the month in the constellation Capricornus (The Sea Goat) and on February 8^th, crosses into the constellation Aquarius (The Water Bearer).

Sunset, February 9th - Venus passes less than 1° of the planet Neptune.

Sunset, February 16th - Venus passes less than 0°32’ of Jupiter. The waxing, crescent Moon passes 4°45′ of Uranus.

Since Mars reach Opposition on January 29^th, Mars is in excellent position for observing, all night, all month.  Mars is located in the constellation Cancer in February, moving in retrograde motion.

Sunset to the East, February 5^th - Between February 1^st and February 10^th you may find Mars between 3°30’ and 4° of the Beehive Cluster (M44).

Jupiter can be observed the first week of February in the evening before it disappears into the Glare of the Sunset around February 8^th. Jupiter is located, this month, in to constellation Aquarius (The Water Bearer).

Since Saturn will reach Opposition next month, on March 21^st.  Saturn is in excellent position for observing all month.  Saturn rises around 9:25 pm (PST) at the start or February and by the end of the month will rise around 7:30 pm (PST).

February 2^nd - The waning, gibbous Moon passes less than 8°15’ of Saturn.

Uranus is located in the constellation Pisces (The Fish) until May 2012.  Uranus is observable in the evening hours of February, setting around 8:35 pm (PST) at the start of the month and setting around 6:55 pm (PST) at the end of February.

Sunset, February 16th - The waxing, crescent Moon passes 4°45′ of Uranus. Venus passes less than 0°32’ of Jupiter.

At the end of the month, Uranus will disappear into the glare of the sunset.

Due to its proximity to the Sun, Neptune is not observable this month.  Neptune is located in the constellation Capricornus (The Sea Goat) until March 2010.

Sunset, February 9th - Venus passes less than 1° of the planet Neptune.

Pluto is located in the constellation Sagittarius (The Archer) until the year 2023.  Pluto is observable in the morning hours of February, rising around 4:15 am at the start of the month and rising around 2:35 am (PST) at the end.

Sunrise, February 9^th - The waning, crescent Moon passes less than

8°10’ of Pluto.

2/2/2010 Waning, gibbous moon passes within 8°15′ from Saturn

2/5/2010 Last Quarter Moon

2/5/2010 Mars passes the Beehive Cluster (M44) less than 3°30′

2/9/2010 Venus and Neptune in conjunction within 1° of each other

2/9/2010 Waning, crescent moon passes within 9°10′ of Pluto

2/13/2010 New Moon

2/16/2010 Venus and Jupiter in close conjunction, less than 0°32′

2/16/2010 Waning, crescent moon passes within 4°45′ of Uranus

2/21/2010 First Quarter Moon

2/27/2010 Mercury and Neptune in conjunction within 2° of each other

2/28/2010 Full Worm Moon

2/28/2010 Mercury and Neptune in conjunction within 2° of each other