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Posts by
Bruce McClure
When does full moon happen for you?
Full moon is January 12, 2017 at 11:34 UTC. Fullest moon for you on the night of January 11 if you're in the Americas, and on January 12 if you're in Asia. In between? Either night will do!
January 11, 2017
Moon, Aldebaran, Pleiades on January 8
Pleiades star cluster - and bright star Aldebaran - are both in Taurus the Bull. If you can't see them near tonight's moon, break out the binoculars!
January 8, 2017
Close and far moons in 2017
We list the 13 lunar perigees (close moons) and 13 lunar apogees (far moons) for the year 2017, plus share a secret on the intriguing cycle of close and far moons.
January 2, 2017
Moon, Venus and Mars after sunset
The dazzling “star” near the waxing moon on January 1, 2 and 3, 2017 is Venus. Mars is also along a line between the sunset location on your horizon and the moon and Venus in your sky.
January 1, 2017
Venus and Mars point to Neptune
Imaginary line from Venus through Mars points to Neptune in late December 2016. Comet 45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdusakova in this part of sky, too, but - like Neptune - requires optical aid.
December 29, 2016
Moon, Antares and Saturn December 26
Up for a sky watching challenge? Try catching the star Antares and the planet Saturn near the old waning crescent moon before sunrise on December 26 and 27.
December 25, 2016
Moon, Jupiter, Spica on December 23
Waning crescent moon meets dazzling planet Jupiter and Spica, brightest star in Virgo the Maiden, before dawn. Watch Spica and Jupiter near each other throughout 2017.
December 22, 2016
Cold Moon near Geminid meteor peak
Tonight is probably the peak night for the 2016 Geminids, and tonight is also a full supermoon. Curses, fist-shaking at the moon, predicted. Diehards: look for bright Jupiter before dawn.
December 13, 2016
Moon hits Bull’s-eye December 12
On December 12, 2016 the almost-full moon occults, or covers over, the star Aldebaran. Meanwhile, this moon is obscuring the annual Geminid meteor shower.
December 12, 2016
How to find Geminids’ radiant point
Best way to find the Geminid radiant is to see a meteor! Then trace its path backwards. But what if you want to find the radiant before seeing a meteor?
December 11, 2016
