North America misses lunar eclipse on August 16
14 comments Print Me Email to FriendTonight is Saturday, Aug 16 2008
For us in North America, the moon will be several hours past full as it sails over our eastern horizon at dusk. Although the moon will look plenty full tonight, it’ll really be a waning gibbous moon. The moon turns full at 9:16 p.m. Universal Time (4:16 p.m. Central Daylight Time), when it’s still below the horizon for us in North America. That’s why we North Americans will miss seeing the full moon partially eclipsed by the Earth’s shadow today.
Our consolation prize is the full-looking moon itself, shining at the border of two constellations this evening. Capricornus the Sea-goat lies to the moon’s west (right), whereas Aquarius (not illustrated) is to the east. The moonlit glare, however, will make it difficult to see the Seagoat’s arrowhead figure tonight.
After the moon drops out of the evening sky – about a week from now – you can use the brilliant stars Vega and Altair to locate Capricornus. Draw a line form Vega through Altair, and go twice the distance. The star Deneb Algedi marks the Seagoat’s tail, while Algedi depicts its head.
On a dark night, Algedi appears as a double star to the unaided eye. But these stars aren’t physically related. The fainter of the pair lodges some 700 light-years distant, while the brighter star is about 100 light-years away.
Thank you for sharing, I have learned a lot!
Debra,
Appreciate the compliment! Please visit again and often!
Bruce
If I get to take some pictures tonight where may I send them to?
I’m in Iraq watching this right now!!!
I just purchased my first telescope and will be identifying our lunar mares tonight! I’m rather excited! Anyways, I am reaching out for some help with respect to what is needed to view nebulae, galaxies, etc. The scope is a 70mm (I know it’s relatively small). I’ve tried a few times but have yet to find anything besides stars(dots). Any held is much appreciated!! I have 9mm, 25mm, and a 2x barlow eyepieces. (location: California) Thanks again!!
I just purchased my first telescope and will be identifying our lunar mares tonight! I’m rather excited! Anyways, I am reaching out for some help with respect to what is needed to view nebulae, galaxies, etc. The scope is a 70mm (I know it’s relatively small). I’ve tried a few times but have yet to find anything besides stars(dots). Any held is much appreciated!! I have 9mm, 25mm, and a 2x barlow eyepieces. (location: California) Thanks again!!
I just purchased my first telescope and will be identifying our lunar mares tonight! I’m rather excited! Anyways, I am reaching out for some help with respect to what is needed to view nebulae, galaxies, etc. The scope is a 70mm (I know it’s relatively small). I’ve tried a few times but have yet to find anything besides stars(dots). Any held is much appreciated!! I have 9mm, 25mm, and a 2x barlow eyepieces. (location: California) Thanks again!!
Can you tell me what planet is to the upper right of the moon, looking south (we live in upstate NY)?
HERE IN WILLIAMSBURG, VA – TONIGHT THE MOON IS THE BRIGHTEST I’VE EVER SEEN. AS A RESULT, THE SKY LOOKS LIKE IT’S DAY TIME. WOW! TRULY A BEAUTIFUL SIGHT.
I see a planet to the west of the moon at 11:32 PM Utah time. I am wondering what planet it is or is this the double star you are referring to? Thanks for a great website!
What is the large star/planet seen next to the moon the past several nights. It’s very bright and I assume it is a planet. Which one?
The bright “star” is Jupiter.
Thank you, Thomas! Indeed, that super bright “star” to the west of the moon is the planet Jupiter! As for Algedi, the optical double star, you’ll have to wait for a dark, moonless night. You can find it by drawing a line from the star Vega and through the star Altair of the Summer Triangle.
Going downward a little less than twice the Vega-Altair distance. Vega shines high in the sky at nightfall and climbs pretty much straight overhead by mid-evening.
Scoping Newbie, aim your telescope at Jupiter to see its four major moons. With autumn coming, another great target is the Andromeda galaxy.
Good luck!
Bruce
Todd,
I meant to thank you in my previous correspondence for the lunar eclipse report from Iraq. I enjoy first-hand accounts of astronomical events as viewed from other places worldwide!
Best wishes,
Bruce