Announcements of current events in Astronomy, published by Perth Observatory

'Night Sky' for November 24, 2003 -


Following on from this morning's new moon (zero phase at 6:59am), the waxing crescent moon will come into view tomorrow evening. At about 7:50 to 8:10pm tomorrow, look to the west-southwest for a nice view of the moon with Mercury below and to the left and Venus above and to the right of it. Note how much the moon has moved by Wednesday evening. First quarter, the evening half-moon phase, will be on Sunday night (50% at 1:16am Monday). Teachers: this coming fortnight is the last opportunity in this school year to get your kids out doing evening moon observations - the ideal period is from a day after new moon until a day after full moon. ((Errata: Mid-eclipse this morning was at 5:40, end of eclipse at 6:28am - sorry!))

Mercury's visible low in the west-southwest at dusk, setting at about 8:20pm. From now till mid-December, watch how it moves relative to Venus and the background stars. Brilliant Venus dominates the western sky at nightfall and sets at about 9pm. If you sketch its position relative to a few background stars, you'll find that it moves noticeably in a couple of days or so. Mars is high up in the north-northwest at dusk, and sets in the west about 1:20am. Saturn rises in the east-northeast about 10pm, passes due north about 2:50am, and is still well up in the north-northwest at dawn. Bright Jupiter rises in the east about 1:30am and stands out in the north-eastern sky at dawn. So all five "eyeball" planets are visible now, but not at the same time of night.

Information provided by Perth Observatory, 337 Walnut Rd, Bickley 6076. Phone 9293-8255. Fax 9293-8138. Email perthobs@calm.wa.gov.au. InterNet website www.wa.gov.au/perthobs. Vouchers available for star viewing nights.

posted by Greg at 1:11 AM

Sorry for the break in transmission (again!). I can't blame this one on BLOGGER. I was crook, and Peter was tearing about doing off-site stuff like astronomy field nights for schools, so the ol' astronomy news was overlooked.

- Greg.




'Night Sky' for November 17, 2003 -


We're in the midst of an eclipse cycle; unfortunately it's one that doesn't bring any opportunities for spectacular viewing for us in Australia. The lunar eclipse back on the 9th was on the wrong side of the Earth for us, and next Monday's new moon will bring a total solar eclipse with a path that traverses the Antarctic. If it's any consolation, the south-west of W.A. will afford a better view than any other populated area. We'll have a partial eclipse, with about 60% of the sun's face obscured by the moon. The details are: Monday 24th, sunrise 5:05am (Perth); sun rises already partially eclipsed; the best period is from 6: 26 to 7:12am, with mid-eclipse (60% at best) occurring at 6:49am. Most people won't feel a thing, but aficionados will be out early with their cameras and gadgets. Avoid eye damage!! Please don't try to directly observe the eclipse.

The moon's waning - first quarter today, new moon next Monday. Mercury should be in view low in the west-southwest around 8pm by the end of the week. Venus dominates the western sky at dusk, setting in the west-southwest at about 8:45pm. Mars is high up in the northern sky at dusk, and sets in the west about 1:40am. Saturn rises in the east-northeast about 3:30am and is well up in the northern sky at dawn. Jupiter comes up in the east about 2am and stands out in the east-northeast at dawn.

Information provided by Perth Observatory, 337 Walnut Rd, Bickley 6076. Ph 9293-8255, fax 9293-8138.

posted by Greg at 12:52 AM

Highlights for the next few days, as the onset of summery weather brings balmy evenings for outdoor activities ....

Full moon Sunday 9th should be a nice one, rising about 20 min. after sunset.

For Perth area, the International Space Station will provide a string of viewing opportunities. The best will be:

Thurs. 6th: approx. 8:53 to 8:55pm, from low in the SW to well up in the WSW.

Fri. 7th: approx. 7:52 to 7:56pm, from low in the SSW to quite high in the SE, and on down to the E.

Sat. 8th: approx. 8:27 to 8:30pm, from low in the WSW to well up in the NW.

Sun. 9th: the best one - approx. 7:25 to 7:31pm, from low in the SW to almost overhead in the SE, and on down into the NE.

Detailed predictions are available from www.heavens-above.com.
posted by Greg at 10:33 PM

'Night Sky' for November 3, 2003 -

As predicted in this column last week, the strong solar flares did indeed cause auroral activity. Any further activity this week will be somewhat disguised by the brighter moonlight. The Moon will be Full on Sunday, and although this coincides with a total lunar eclipse, none of the eclipse phase will be visible from WA. (or anywhere else in Australia). This is the precursor to the total solar eclipse over Antarctica on November 24, which will only be seen from Perth as a 60% partial eclipse for a few minutes after sunrise.

For a good synopsis of conditions in space, and the Sun in particular, visit http://spaceweather.com. This excellent site gives current information on solar activity, as well as an up to date image of the Sun, and any predictions of the likelihood of aurorae.

Venus is now dominating the western evening sky, and will be setting after 8pm by the end of October. Mars is high in the North at sunset, but has noticeably faded since the heady days of August. Saturn rises at around 10pm, but Jupiter is not available until after 3am.

Information provided by Perth Observatory, 337 Walnut Rd, Bickley 6076. Ph 9293-8255, fax 9293-8138.

posted by Greg at 1:23 AM