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what is a newmoon weekend
Hi Corey,
Just what the name implies...
Obviously, it's the weekend that the new moon falls on, or is closest to. For December 2010, the new moon weekend was Dec 3-5. (New moon, which means "no moon in the sky" was December 5th.) For February 2011, the new moon weekend is Feb. 4-6 as new moon falls on Thursday, the 3rd of February. It's the weekend with no, or a very little crescent moon that will set in the west quickly so it will not to interfere with observing the night sky. See, us experienced observers who are into observing faint deep sky objects, hate the moon. It's just another light polluter of the night sky. So we plan all our vacation time, star parties, observing sessions... when there is no moon in the sky. So, the very best weekend of the month to observe with our scopes, is... the new moon weekend. Opposite, or roughly 2 weeks after... the (Ugh!) full moon... which we never go out observing on a full moon because the entire sky is washed out by it's brightness. That's why all major National star parties; the West Texas Star Party, The Black Forest Star Party, Cherry Springs Star Party, Astroblast, Astrofest, Mason-Dixon Star Party, etc... are all held on a new moon weekend. That's why all us serious observers know exactly what phase the moon is in, and pretty much when it rises and when it sets each night, because our hobby is so dependent on very dark skies with no moon present.
Clear Skies,
Tom Whiting
Erie, PA USA
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Answers by Expert:
Tom Whiting
Expertise
Astronomy has been my hobby/pasttime for over 50 years. Currently own 3 telescopes, the largest of which is a 30 inch Newtonian truss Dob that is portable.I taught Astronomy/Meteorology at the University Level for 13 years before retiring in 1995. Being retired and home most of the time, I am able to answer all questions relatively quickly, unless it's a new moon weekend with good observing conditions. No astrology questions please, or questions about alleged UFO picture identifications.
Experience
Experience: Astronomy has been my hobby and study for over 50 years. We currently now own a 30 inch portable telescope (Updated - Pennsylvania`s largest portable telescope). It can be seen on our website at:http://www.velocity.net/~bwhiting and also attend several regional starparties during the year, and have been on 5 total solar eclipse expeditions.
Organizations: President, Erie County Mobile Observers Group for over 15 years.
Publications: Wrote the "Over Erie Skies" newspaper article in our local newspaper for 11 years (1975-86).
Education: Masters Degree- Taught at the University level for 13 years. Retired 20 years -USAF Pilot - KC-135 with 180 combat missions; Also Eagle Scout, Philmont staff 2 Yrs, Order of Arrow Lodge Chief, Ham Radio (inactive).
Awards: two discoveries: The mini-coathanger asterism in Ursa Minor (the little dipper) And the mini-ladle- another asterism in the bowl of Ursa Minor. Clients: Currently President of the ECMOG as mentioned above.
Education/Credentials
BS Metallurgical Engineering Grove City College, PAMaster's Degree, Gannon University, Erie, PA
Also retired USAF pilot, 20 years.
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