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Crescent moon hugs horizon with Venus

November opens with the moon only a couple of days away from its new phase, and therefore an early morning object.
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November opens with the moon only a couple of days away from its new phase, and therefore an early morning object.

The phase also means an eclipse may happen, and this being eclipse season, a hybrid solar eclipse will be visible for viewers in central Africa. Two weeks ago, a lunar eclipse occurred at full moon, but it was of such little consequence, it isn't worth more than a brief mention. On the morning of Nov. 2, the bright star Spica is within one degree of the moon, an occultation in Europe. By Nov. 7, the crescent moon hugs the horizon with Venus in the western evening sky. Full moon occurs Nov. 17, then, in the morning sky Nov. 22, Jupiter shares the scene. Finally, by Nov. 27 Mars is within a few degrees and Nov. 29 Spica is once again within a degree - a true occultation for early morning viewers in North America. This is a great opportunity to see the Solar System in motion, as the star slips behind our satellite for an hour or so.

Mercury skirts in front of the sun for the first couple of weeks, showing up in the early morning eastern sky in the most favourable apparition for the year. Comet ISON should be making an appearance right about then and not far away from the innermost planet. Something worth getting up early for!

Venus, the Evening Star, hugs the western horizon at sundown, among the stars of Sagittarius, The Archer, all through November. Watch for the waxing crescent moon close by Nov. 6.

Mars rises about 2 a.m., disappearing in the daytime sky around 7 p.m. The waning crescent moon is a few degrees south of the Red Planet Nov. 27.

Jupiter is in the constellation Gemini, the twins, rising in mid-evening. The moon joins in Nov. 21. The giant gas planet graces the sky all night long, presenting a great opportunity to view the Galilean moons as they quickly change places in their respective orbits.

Saturn is behind the sun, and doesn't appear until late in the month - then an early morning object. The ringed planet joins up with Mercury in the final days of November.

Uranus and Neptune, both well placed high in the southern night sky, are challenge targets for telescopic viewing. Uranus is retrograding and Neptune begins eastward movement Nov. 13.

- James Edgar has had an interest in the night sky all his life. He joined The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada in 2000 and is now editor's assistant and a contributor to Observer's Handbook, production manager of the RASC Journal, and the society's national secretary. He was given the RASC Service Award at the 2012 general assembly in Edmonton.