Posts by 

Bruce McClure

Moon and Spica on December 29 and 30

On December 29 and 30, 2018, let the waning moon introduce you to Spica, the brightest star in the constellation Virgo the Maiden.

Moon and Royal Star on December 25 and 26

These next two nights - December 25 and 26, 2018 - you might see the moon and Regulus, the Royal Star, coming up above your eastern horizon before your bedtime.

Moon and Gemini on December 23 and 24

On December 23, 2018, the moon is in front of the constellation Gemini, near its brightest stars Castor and Pollux. The next night, December 24, you'll find the moon farther from these stars but still near enough to help you find them.

Full moon within a day of solstice

We haven't had a December solstice and full moon less than a day apart since 2010. The next time will be 2029.

Time to look for Mercury and Jupiter below Venus

Some people spotted Mercury days ago, but it's higher in the sky now and brighter. This is a good time to catch the most elusive planet.

Young moon and Saturn December 8, 9 and 10

Use the young moon to find Saturn after sunset on December 8 or 9, 2018. On December 9 and 10, the illuminated portion of the moon will be pointing toward Saturn.

Will December’s full moon be a supermoon?

The last of 2018's 13 full moons falls on December 22. It's the 3rd-closest full moon in 2018, but is it a supermoon?

Moon and Venus December 2 to 5

Will you see Mercury near the moon on Tuesday or Wednesday morning? It's possible. If your sky is clear to the east before sunup, you'll surely see bright Venus!

Moon and Regulus late night to dawn November 28 and 29

Regulus is the brightest star in the constellation Leo the Lion, sometimes called the Lion's Heart. The moon is very near this star on November 28 and closer to the Tail of Leo on November 29.

Venus brightest late November and early December

Venus is now enjoying her glory days - her greatest brilliancy - in the morning sky. Venus is brightest throughout late November and early December. Look east before sunup!