The Dark Moon will be in geocentric longitudinal conjunction with the Sun on 2008 JAN 08 at 11:37 UT. Since we've passed the winter solstice, New Moon spotting is becoming easier for northern hemisphere observers. That will be especially true during February through May. The timing of the conjunction this month makes it impossible for northern hemisphere observers to spot the Moon aged less than 24 hours, despite otherwise improved conditions. But the Moon on the 9th aged 1.5 days and near Mercury should be a pretty sight.

I’ve created a graphic previewing the southwestern sky as viewed from Chicagoland 30 minutes after sunset on the 9th. Mercury will be about 3° to the lower right of the Moon. The graphic should well serve most North American observers. It and another graphic demonstrating the current apparition of Mercury as an evening star can be seen by clicking: http://www.curtrenz.com/astronomical.html

Photos or descriptions of the January New Moon would be welcome additions to this thread. Below is a picture I took on 2007 MAY 17 of the Moon aged 30:42 hrs and near Mercury.

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Curt Renz - "Centaur"
For monthly astronomical calendar visit:
www.CurtRenz.com/astronomical.html