Difference between revisions of "January 23, 2004"

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wonderful and frustrating time to observe. Against a pinkish-blue sky, the Moon is yellow, and within its shadow you can  
 
wonderful and frustrating time to observe. Against a pinkish-blue sky, the Moon is yellow, and within its shadow you can  
 
see a ghostly version of the landscapes to become visible over the next two weeks. But because the Moon is low in the sky,  
 
see a ghostly version of the landscapes to become visible over the next two weeks. But because the Moon is low in the sky,  
the seeing may be fitful and the Moon seems to move faster than when its high. During this infant Moon phase, Mare  
+
the seeing may be fitful and the Moon seems to move faster than when it's high. During this infant Moon phase, Mare  
 
Crisium is the easiest feature to identify, and often a fragmentary arc of its rim extends into the night as island peaks.
 
Crisium is the easiest feature to identify, and often a fragmentary arc of its rim extends into the night as island peaks.
 
To the south, four large craters hug the terminator, two deep and peakful, and two shallow and flat. Have your telescope  
 
To the south, four large craters hug the terminator, two deep and peakful, and two shallow and flat. Have your telescope  

Latest revision as of 12:59, 15 March 2015

Infant Moon

LPOD-2004-01-23.jpeg

Image Credit: Tom Talbott

Infant Moon

Look west tonight, when the twilight glow is lingering, for the slender crescent of the 2-day old Moon. This is always a wonderful and frustrating time to observe. Against a pinkish-blue sky, the Moon is yellow, and within its shadow you can see a ghostly version of the landscapes to become visible over the next two weeks. But because the Moon is low in the sky, the seeing may be fitful and the Moon seems to move faster than when it's high. During this infant Moon phase, Mare Crisium is the easiest feature to identify, and often a fragmentary arc of its rim extends into the night as island peaks. To the south, four large craters hug the terminator, two deep and peakful, and two shallow and flat. Have your telescope or binoculars ready to go, to enjoy this view before the sliver slips under the horizon.

Related Links:
Tom's Moon Phases

Yesterday's LPOD: Ring Around the Moon

Tomorrow's LPOD: Platonic Nirvana


Author & Editor:
Charles A. Wood

 


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