This week is a perfect week to view the moon. While many people may think that the best time to see the moon is when it’s full, the delicate crescent moon is much more spectacular. This week, you may be able to see the slim crescent moon rise before dawn, then reappear on the opposite side of the sun after sunset.
The moon, which is moving to a specific place in its orbit while changing its position in the morning and night, is about to cause a special phenomenon, an annular solar eclipse, on October 14th next month (it can be seen in some states of the United States). can).
Tuesday, September 12th: The crescent moon lines up with the Presepe star cluster.
If the Pleiades star cluster (M45, Subaru), which is currently visible in the eastern sky late at night, is the most beautiful open star cluster, then the Pleiades star cluster (M44) may be a close second. However, you need to wake up early in the morning to see it.
In the early morning hours of the 12th, a crescent moon with a brightness ratio of 9% will rise in the eastern sky very close to the Presepe star cluster. A wonderfully bright Venus can be seen in the lower right. It would be best if you had binoculars.
Wednesday, September 13th: The crescent moon illuminated by the Earthshine approaches Regulus.
An ultra-slim crescent moon, illuminated by 9% on September 12th and only 5% on the 13th, rises in the east-northeast before sunrise. Earthshine can be seen on the side where the moon is not illuminated. This is a phenomenon in which sunlight reflected from the Earth illuminates the moon’s surface. Venus (the morning star) is shining brightly here as well.
On this day, the crescent moon will be close to the brightest star in Leo, Regulus (1.35 mag). It can only be seen before dawn, so you’ll need to use binoculars in a clear area near the horizon.
Friday, September 15th: New Moon
This day is the new moon. This is when the moon is halfway between the Earth and the sun and disappears into the glare. This new moon will not cause a solar eclipse, but next month’s new moon will pass through the ecliptic (the path of the sun) and obscure the sun.
A spectacular “annular eclipse” will be visible in eight U.S. states and parts of Central and South America on October 14, 2023.
Sunday, September 17th: Crescent Moon and Spica
On this evening, the thin crescent moon can be seen setting in the west-southwest just after sunset. The moon, only 5% illuminated, lies to the lower right of Virgo’s brightest star, Spica. You may need binoculars. Mars is also nearby, but it will be too low to see.
This week’s celestial object: Summer Triangle
The Summer Triangle, which rises in the east after sunset in July and August and can be seen directly overhead at midnight, is the main character of the summer night sky. If the sky is very dark, you can see the Milky Way flowing through the Summer Triangle, which includes Deneb in Cygnus, Vega in Lyra, and Altair in Aquila.
This week, the Summer Triangle will move towards the western sky.
Stargazing Tip: Get binoculars
There are many good points about stargazing with the naked eye. Not only is it entirely possible to complete a lifetime’s worth of astronomical observations without optical equipment, but for many astronomy fans, immersing yourself in the wide field of view of the night sky is the real purpose of going outside and looking up at the sky.
Still, there is no doubt that binoculars will open up a new world of the night sky. This is especially true for star clusters that cannot be seen with the naked eye. If you carefully focus your binoculars and follow the Milky Way near the Summer Triangle, you will be amazed by the beautiful sight of stars.
For exact times of sunrise/sunset and moonrise/moonset in each location,Japan Meteorological Agency weborThis sitePlease refer to etc.