Night Sky Observations for April 2011
April 9th 2011 02:50
Category: No Category
Lunar Occulation form El Dorado 5:58 pm
The Northern Hemisphere observers are treated to the April spring season show. Spring is a great time to go star gazing.
There are many bright objects to see especially just after sunset. The star Arcturus , is the brightest stars shining high in the East. Another equally bright star is Vega rising low in the northeast. Vega can be seen around 10:15 P.M. The planet Saturn will also be visible.
CURRENT MOON
The Moon is now entering the constellation of Gemini, seen as a very thick crescent less than two days from first quarter. If your fortunate to be living in an area with low light pollution you can get a glimpse of the star cluster M35 sky a pair of binoculars will show a “fuzzy” patch of light providing the skies are clear, look roughly to the Moon's upper right.
If you would like to see a star “disappear” Observers in eastern North America can watch the dark limb of the first-quarter Moon cover up Zeta Geminorum on Sunday, April 10.
Observers in the Southern hemisphere will not be able to see the occulation because it takes place during the daylight hours and is well below the horizon.
Set Up Early
You will need to set up 15 minutes before the event some observers will require a pair of binoculars because the occulation will occur during twilight.
Golden Colorado will be able to see the occulation during twilight around 6:00 pm.
Observers in El Dorado will be able to see it at 5:58 pm.
Here are some times Washington DC, 9:17 p.m. EDT; Atlanta, 9:09 p.m. EDT; Miami, 9:29 p.m.
Lunar Occulation form Golden Col 6:50 pm
The constellation of Orion is slowly making it’s way downward in the southwest after dusk, Th hunter’s three-star belt turning horizontal can be seen from north temperate latitudes. The belt points left toward bright Sirius. Looking towards the right you will be able to see the somewhat “orange” looking star Aldebaran. Look further to the right of Aldebaran are the Pleiades star cluster.
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It seems like all the clouds have migrated to my neck of the woods.