2017 Week 2: (January 8-14)

The second week of January 2017 has a few interesting astronomical events but certainly not as many as last week.  The weather is anticipated to be very cold as below average temperatures continue in what has been one of the coldest winters in awhile across most of the world.

Date	Event
Jan 8	Mercury Stationary
Jan 9	Aldebaran 0.4° South of Moon
Jan 9	Moon at Perigee
Jan 12	Full Moon
Jan 12	Venus at Greatest Elongation East (47°)
Jan 14	Regulus 0.8° North of Moon
Jan 14	Venus at 50% phase

The comet 45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdusakova is still visible approximately 1° North of Theta Capricorni.  The average binocular field of view is 5° so clear skies and thick winter clothes may bring the comet into view.

Please see my previous blog entry for more details on how to locate the comet:

http://simonjastronomy.blogspot.ca/2017/01/comet-alert-45phonda-mrkos-pajdusakova.html

Another binocular comet will be on our observing list no later than the beginning of February.  Keep posted for more information about 2P/Encke in the coming weeks.

In the January 9, 2017 time slot the Moon is very close to Aldebaran.  In fact, from Calgary a couple months ago the moon occulted the bright red angry eye of Taurus the bull.  I took the picture below just before the moon covered the star.

Occultation of Aldebaran (left side of the image)

I wish you clear skies and warm weather!  When viewing conditions improve I will start hosting events where we can see some great sights in the sky!