Sun rises at 6:33am.
Sun sets at 5:37pm.
Moon phase: new moon, virtually absent
Moon rises at 8:15am.
Moon sets at 6:58pm.
Early Evening
The moon is in its “new” phase this weekend as it passes between earth and the sun. Lost in the sun’s glare, with its dark side facing us, it is virtually absent to our eyes. If you study the western horizon just after sunset on Sunday, you might be able to view the very thin crescent before it sets about 8:00pm which will be easily visible by Monday night. Each night, it grows bigger, or waxes, and stays in the sky later.
The western sky this weekend will be graced by two great bird constellations. Start looking for Aquila the eagle and Cygnus the swan from about dusk. Aquila is recognized by the bright star Altair and Cygnus is marked by the bright star Deneb. Cygnus is larger and higher in the sky on the right of Altair. In previous weeks, we discussed the Summer Triangle which is made by these two stars and Vega in the constellation Lyra. I like to imagine Aquila and Cygnus flying across the night sky in formation, but actually the ancients envisioned them heading in opposite directions.
Geminid Meteor Shower
Just after sunseton December 12-14, check out the Geminid Meteor Shower! There’s no moonlight to spoil the view, and unlike most meteor showers, this one doesn’t wait for the wee hours of the morning to occur! The meteors will radiate outwards from the constellation of Gemini with its twin stars of Castor and Pollux. While most celestial observing is enhanced by good binoculars or a telescope, watching a meteor show is best with the naked eye.
Any time after 9:30pm until sunrise, just head out to a dark sky location with a clear view to the east. Find our friend, the constellation of Orion, and trace the bright stars (Rigel and Betelgeuse) through Orion’s three-star-belt and keep going to the left until you’re just above the bright “twin” stars. (It’s about one-and-a-half times the distance from Rigel to Betelgeuse.) This is the region where the falling stars or meteors will appear to be shooting out of – be patient! The Geminid Meteor Shower is rated to be one of the best of the year, approximately 20 meteors per hour at the peak which should be Sunday night.
If you are out later on in the week, each star rises about four minutes earlier each day than written here, and the moon rises 50 minutes later.
