Waning Gibbous Moon
Bray, Co Wicklow Ireland
January 28th 2008
200mm dob/FL 1,200mm/25mm eyepiece/48X
Lunation 19.60 days 01:35 – 03:42
Pastels and conte on black paper
On Feburary 20th 2011 the waning gibbous moon will make a lovely triangle with the Planet Saturn and the star Spica.
Here in Ireland look east at 22:30 and you should be able to see this visual delight for your self.
If you have a telescope , have a look along the terminator find Mare Crisium
( the sea of crisis) It should look awesome as the terminator will be right through the middle of it. The moon will be 17.84 or almost 18 days past new. In my sketch the waning moon was 19.60 days past new . Crisium was already engulfed by nightime on the lunar surface and not visible.
Our Moon has no light of its own, what we see is the sun light reflecting back to our eyes.
The Moon is said to be waning when it is moving toward new. Each waning night it has less light shining on its lovely near side as we look at it.
Our Moon is said to be waxing when it is moving from new to full. Each waxing night is has more light shining on its lovely near side as we look at it. The Moon is filling its near side with sunlight until it is full of light as we view.
Our Moon is said to be waning when it is moving from full to new. Once again it has less light shining on its lovely face as we look at it. This cycle continues each lunar month, the more we observe it, the more we understand it.
My waning Moon sketch will be on exhibition with other drawings at The Signal Arts Centre in Bray Co Wickow from February 15th to February 27th . The exhibition is called Myriad Visions
do drop in and see all the work.
I look forward to sharing Saturn at public viewings during March and April when Saturn will be higher in the night sky earlier in the evening. A date for your diary is March 12th when we will be looking at Saturn from Glendalough , the upper lake car park . 7pm - A talk on the Cassini Mission to Saturn at the Education Centre followed by a viewing of the planet WEATHER PERMITTING OF COURSE.
Also during March I intend to hold several public Moon and Saturn viewing sessions here in Bray , details to follow. All are weather permitting.
Bray, Co Wicklow Ireland
January 28th 2008
200mm dob/FL 1,200mm/25mm eyepiece/48X
Lunation 19.60 days 01:35 – 03:42
Pastels and conte on black paper
On Feburary 20th 2011 the waning gibbous moon will make a lovely triangle with the Planet Saturn and the star Spica.
Here in Ireland look east at 22:30 and you should be able to see this visual delight for your self.
If you have a telescope , have a look along the terminator find Mare Crisium
( the sea of crisis) It should look awesome as the terminator will be right through the middle of it. The moon will be 17.84 or almost 18 days past new. In my sketch the waning moon was 19.60 days past new . Crisium was already engulfed by nightime on the lunar surface and not visible.
Our Moon has no light of its own, what we see is the sun light reflecting back to our eyes.
The Moon is said to be waning when it is moving toward new. Each waning night it has less light shining on its lovely near side as we look at it.
Our Moon is said to be waxing when it is moving from new to full. Each waxing night is has more light shining on its lovely near side as we look at it. The Moon is filling its near side with sunlight until it is full of light as we view.
Our Moon is said to be waning when it is moving from full to new. Once again it has less light shining on its lovely face as we look at it. This cycle continues each lunar month, the more we observe it, the more we understand it.
My waning Moon sketch will be on exhibition with other drawings at The Signal Arts Centre in Bray Co Wickow from February 15th to February 27th . The exhibition is called Myriad Visions
do drop in and see all the work.
I look forward to sharing Saturn at public viewings during March and April when Saturn will be higher in the night sky earlier in the evening. A date for your diary is March 12th when we will be looking at Saturn from Glendalough , the upper lake car park . 7pm - A talk on the Cassini Mission to Saturn at the Education Centre followed by a viewing of the planet WEATHER PERMITTING OF COURSE.
Also during March I intend to hold several public Moon and Saturn viewing sessions here in Bray , details to follow. All are weather permitting.
I am very proud of my new astronomy group here in Bray , St Cronans Star Gazers are a great bunch of enthused children , parents and teachers who delight in learning a little bit of astronomy . You can read about our latest adventures by clicking on the link .
Whats Up for February 2011 from Jane Houston Jones - enjoy !
