Who will be the first to spot the July New Moon with naked eyes after sunset? The Dark Moon will be in geocentric longitudinal conjunction with the Sun on 2008 JUL 03 at 02:19 UT (JUL 02 at 21:19 CDT). North Americans will have a fine opportunity to sight a Moon aged about 24 hours. Venus might serve as an aid. In the coming months early New Moon spotting will become more difficult as the twilight ecliptic tilts toward a less favorable position.

I’ve created a graphic previewing the west-northwestern sky as viewed from Chicagoland 25 minutes after sunset on July 3, although it should well serve most North Americans. The Moon will be visible about 6° to the upper left of Venus. The graphic can be seen by clicking: http://www.curtrenz.com/astronomical.html

Photos or descriptions of the July New Moon would be welcome additions to this thread. Please include the date, time, time zone and location. Good Luck!

Below is a photo I took on 2007 JUL 15 of the Moon aged 38:05 hrs.

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

I captured the 1.3% illuminated crescent Moon aged 23:49 hrs on 2008 JUL 03 at 21:08 CDT. That was 37 minutes after sunset and 18 minutes before moonset at Arlington Heights, Illinois. Below is the photo with the Moon toward the right and just above the clouds.

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

Excellent capture! reckon this is a record here! Unbelievable!
I have never seen our Moon, less than one day old! (not for want of trying) and I doubt very much I'll be able to see it tonight either!

Thank you for sharing!

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clear skies

Thanks, Mahesh. Actually, my best was the 1.1% illuminated crescent Moon aged 21:45 hrs on 2007 MAR 19 at 19:28 CDT from Arlington Heights, Illinois. Below is the photo. Tonight (July 4) the 2-day-old Moon will make an even prettier picture as the Old Moon in the New Moon’s Arms. Diana’s Bow on Saturday evening should be magnificent.

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

yeah....taking a sharp intake of breath!

that's just phenomenal!

thanks you for sharing this beauty too!

skies here at the mo. are pretty cotton-wool clouds floating in blue, I doubt i'll be able to spot see it, but hope tomorrow is better

clear skies and happy celebrations to you and all

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clear skies

Glad you appreciated it, Mahesh.

Here’s a shot I took this evening of the 2-day-old Moon amid 4th of July fireworks from Arlington Heights, Illinois on 2008 JUL 04 at 21:21 CDT.

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

That is absolutely scrumptious! Oh My Word!

That one I would like to download and transpose on a t-shirt or two! For my baby son and I, if that's ok with you! Is it?

Thank you for yet another gorgeous picture, Mr Renz!

Happy celebrations!
i must touch base with Mr Guzman at Chicago Astronomer, too. please say hi to him for me, when you bump into him! thanks

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clear skies

You’re welcome again, Mahesh. I’m glad you got a kick out of it. Yes, you may transpose it to a couple of T-shirts for your own family. But if you plan to produce more and hope to sell them, then the answer is no until a deal is agreed.

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

Absolutely agree! just two. one for my baby and one for me!
I like your style! Just as wonderful as your pictures!

many thanks

best regards

mahesh

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clear skies