Expert: Philip Stahl - 5/17/2009

Question
I live in the western part of New York State and I was wondering what time of year the moon's path is closest to the middle of the sky? Also in the sky when is the moon's path almost the same as the sun's?

Answer
Hello,

ASTRONOMY magazine has excellent foldout maps which can show the path of the Moon through any given month, and also address viewing questions geared to any given aspect, including Moon positions in relation to the Sun's path at any time or date. A glance at the May issue discloses the Moon tracing a path in the middle of your (upper NY) sky around 24th-28th May, and their June issue (opp. page 36) discloses the Moon is tracing out a path in the middle of YOUR sky around 21- 25th June. Alas, for each of these periods it's little practical viewing use since the Moon's phase will be New or near New.

The same foldout maps also show the Sun's path in relation to the Moon's through the month- any particular issue of the magazine showing it for that month.

For example, this month there is a brief overlap of the Moon's path with the Sun's over 2nd -3rd and over 16th-17th. Next month there is a brief approximate overlap of lunar -solar paths over 11th-12th and around the 25th. The arc lengths of concurrence in all cases are very short.