Posted on 10/30/2014 8:37:24 AM PDT by BenLurkin
The most bashful of all the naked eye planets makes its best dawn appearance of 2014 this weekend for northern hemisphere observers. And not only will Mercury be worth getting up for, but youll also stand a chance at nabbing that most elusive of astronomical phenomena the zodiacal light from a good dark sky sight.
DST note: This post was written whilst we were visiting Arizona, a land that, were happy to report, does not for the most part observe the archaic practice of Daylight Saving Time. Life goes on, zombies do not arise, and trains still run on time.
In the surrounding world of North America, however, dont forget to fall back one hour on Sunday morning, November 2nd. I know, I know. Trust me, we didnt design the wacky system were stuck with today. All times noted below post-shift reflect this change, but it also means that youll have to awaken an hour earlier Sunday November 2nd onwards to begin your astronomical vigil for Mercury!
(Excerpt) Read more at universetoday.com ...
In Arizona but in this case Mts. to the east deprive me of a view close enough to the horizon to take advantage. Clear dark nights are something else however.
I keep trying to glimpse Mercury at sunset. When I remember, and the weather gods are busy elsewhere...
most elusive of astronomical phenomena”
A bit hyperbolic. I see it almost every time we go to our dark sky site.
Now the Gegenschein. THAT is elusive.
Gegenschein. The antisolar point. I learned something today. Cool.
I am told you can see it out in the far western part of Oklahoma and in Australia, but, not many other places.
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