The Southern Taurid shower is so named because the radiant, the point from which the shower's meteors appear to emerge, is located within the southern region of Taurus the bull. Most meteors are named for the constellation in which their radiant is located.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2021: MOON NEAR ANTARES
Yesterday, we mentioned that the moon and the planets travel along a band centered on the ecliptic. Consequently, the moon and planets are able to move through the zodiac constellations. They can also move close or sometimes even occult (move in front of) some bright stars within those zodiac constellations. The four brightest "ecliptic stars" are Aldabaran (Taurus the Bull), Antares (Scorpius the Scorpion), Regulus (Leo the Lion) and Spica (Virgo the Maiden). Tonight, the waxing crescent moon (43% illuminated) will appear to move close to Antares.
Yesterday, we mentioned that the moon and the planets travel along a band centered on the ecliptic. Consequently, the moon and planets are able to move through the zodiac constellations. They can also move close or sometimes even occult (move in front of) some bright stars within those zodiac constellations. The four brightest "ecliptic stars" are Aldabaran (Taurus the Bull), Antares (Scorpius the Scorpion), Regulus (Leo the Lion) and Spica (Virgo the Maiden). Tonight, the waxing crescent moon (43% illuminated) will appear to move close to Antares.
Scorpius the Scorpion: currently visible in the southwestern evening sky
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2021: FIRST QUARTER MOON (MOON AT PERIGEE)
A supermoon is defined as a moon that is full while being at or near perigee, its point of least distance from Earth. A supermoon appears both 14% larger and 30% brighter than a micromoon, or the moon that is full around the time of apogee, its greatest distance. As far as we know, no specific name has been coined for a moon that is at first or last quarter when at or new perigee. We welcome your suggestions.
A supermoon is defined as a moon that is full while being at or near perigee, its point of least distance from Earth. A supermoon appears both 14% larger and 30% brighter than a micromoon, or the moon that is full around the time of apogee, its greatest distance. As far as we know, no specific name has been coined for a moon that is at first or last quarter when at or new perigee. We welcome your suggestions.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021: MERCURY AT GREATEST EASTERN ELONGATION
When at greatest eastern elongation, an inferior planet, one closer to the Sun than Earth, will be at its greatest altitude in the western evening sky. Conversely, an inferior planet is at its highest altitude in the eastern morning sky when at greatest western elongation. A perfect night to search for Mercury, which will set around 7:30 p.m.
When at greatest eastern elongation, an inferior planet, one closer to the Sun than Earth, will be at its greatest altitude in the western evening sky. Conversely, an inferior planet is at its highest altitude in the eastern morning sky when at greatest western elongation. A perfect night to search for Mercury, which will set around 7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17: MOON NEAR SATURN
One will see the waxing gibbous moon (83% illuminated) near Saturn, both of which will be found within Capricornus the Seagoat. Both worlds vanish by 2:30 a.m. the following morning.
One will see the waxing gibbous moon (83% illuminated) near Saturn, both of which will be found within Capricornus the Seagoat. Both worlds vanish by 2:30 a.m. the following morning.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18: MOON NEAR JUPITER (BRONZE EVENT!)
A spectacular sight! The brilliant planet Jupiter and the waxing gibbous moon (92%) that looks nearly full. Observers will see the moon before sunset, but will have to wait until dusk to see Jupiter. Both the moon and Jupiter will remain in sight until around 4:30 a.m. One important note: the moon moves one half degree an hour, which is equal to its angular diameter. Watch how the moon's position relative to Jupiter shifts throughout the night. Although one cannot directly observe motion even in the moon, its changing position will be noticeable in reference to Jupiter which, for all intents and purposes, serves as a fixed point at least for one night.
A spectacular sight! The brilliant planet Jupiter and the waxing gibbous moon (92%) that looks nearly full. Observers will see the moon before sunset, but will have to wait until dusk to see Jupiter. Both the moon and Jupiter will remain in sight until around 4:30 a.m. One important note: the moon moves one half degree an hour, which is equal to its angular diameter. Watch how the moon's position relative to Jupiter shifts throughout the night. Although one cannot directly observe motion even in the moon, its changing position will be noticeable in reference to Jupiter which, for all intents and purposes, serves as a fixed point at least for one night.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20: FULL MOON (HARVEST MOON!)
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Arguably the most famous full moon of the year is the Harvest Moon, defined as the full moon that occurs nearest to the autumnal equinox. The Harvest moon can therefore happen as early as two weeks before or as late as two weeks after the equinox. Or, it can fall in either September or October. The 2021 Harvest moon occurs just before autumn begins. The Harvest moon is so named because this full moon provides ample illumination for farmers so they can harvest their crops at night. Yes, we do know that modern-day farmers no longer need this moon as they have ample quantities of artificial light sources. All the same, the Harvest moon has retained the name because it once proved so useful. Incidentally, the next full moon after the Harvest Moon is called the Hunters' Moon because that full moon illuminated the forests and fields where hunters searched for prey. And, yes, we do know that modern-day hunters....
Part III tomorrow
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