* Wed., Dec. 31, 6:59:60 p.m. EST - "Leap Second": one second added to time scales occasionally, to compensate for slowing of rotation rate of Earth.

* Thur., Jan. 1, 12:00:00 Midnight (one second later than normal, due to Leap Second added on 2008 Dec. 31 at 6:59:60 p.m. EST) - New Year's Day: Year A.D. 2009 begins (January 1).

* Thur., Jan. 1 - Eighth day of the 12 days of Christmas (Thur., 2008 Dec. 25 to Mon., 2009 Jan. 5)

* Thur., Jan. 1 - Last day of Kwanzaa (Week-long holiday observance honoring African-American heritage: Fri., 2008 Dec. 26 to Thur., 2009 Jan. 1.)

* Sat., Jan. 3, 8:00 a.m. EST - Peak of Quadrantid Meteor Shower

* Sun., Jan. 4, 6:56 a.m. EST - First Quarter Moon

* Sun., Jan. 4, 10:00 a.m. EST - Earth at perihelion (closest to Sun for year): 147,095,260 kilometers

* Mon., Jan. 5 - "12th Night" of Christmas; end of the 12 days of Christmas, which began on Christmas Day.

* Tue., Jan. 6 - Feast of the Epiphany; the day after the "12th Night" of Christmas. Tradition celebrates Epiphany as day the Magi arrived in Bethlehem to present gifts to the Christ child.

* Wed., Jan. 7 - Orthodox Christmas - As determined by Julian Calendar

* Wed., Jan. 7, 2:00 p.m. EST - Moon 0.8 degree north of Pleiades Star Cluster (M45)

* Sat., Jan. 10, 6:00 a.m. EST - Moon at perigee: 357,497 kilometers - Large Tides Expected.

* Sat., Jan. 10, 10:27 p.m. EST - Full Moon (Wolf Moon) - Largest Moon in 2009.

* Mon., Jan. 12, 1:00 a.m. EST - Moon 1.5 degrees south of Beehive Star Cluster (M44)

* Tue., Jan. 13 - Mercury at perihelion

* Thur., Jan. 15 - Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Observed - USA: Third Monday in January): Birth of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929 Jan. 15)

* Thur., Jan. 15, 7:00 a.m. EST - Saturn 6 degrees north of Moon

* Sat., Jan. 17, 9:46 p.m. EST - Last Quarter Moon

* Sun., Jan. 18 - Asteroid Juno in conjunction with the Sun (Juno not visible)

* Mon., Jan. 19 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Observed - USA: Third Monday in January): Birth of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929 Jan. 15)

* Tue., Jan. 20, 12:00 Noon EST - Inauguration of the President and Vice President of the United States of America (Every four years: January 20) -- 2009 - President: Barack Obama; Vice President: Joe Biden

* Tue., Jan. 20, 11:00 a.m. EST - Mercury in inferior conjunction (Mercury not visible)

* Wed., Jan. 21, 8:00 a.m. EST - Star Antares 0.02 degree south of Moon; occultation: Pacific Ocean, central portion of South America, South Atlantic Ocean.

* Thur., Jan. 22, 7:00 p.m. EST - Moon at apogee: 406,118 kilometers

* Fri., Jan. 23, 11:00 a.m. EST - Venus 1.4 degrees north of Uranus

* Sat., Jan. 24, 1:00 a.m. EST - Jupiter in conjunction with the Sun (Jupiter not visible)

* Sun., Jan. 25, 11:56.6 p.m. EST - Beginning of Annular Solar Eclipse of Jan. 25 and 26 - Annular Solar Eclipse visible in Indian Ocean and western Indonesia; Partial Solar Eclipse visible in southern third of Africa, Madagascar, Australia except Tasmania, southeast India, Southeast Asia, and Indonesia.
Tips for Safe Viewing: Eclipse of the Sun / Solar Eclipse

* Mon., Jan. 26, 2:55 a.m. EST - New Moon: Lunation 1065

* Mon., Jan. 26, 1:00 p.m. EST - Mercury 4 degrees north of Mars

* Tue., Jan. 27 - 42nd anniversary [1967] of Apollo 1 fire; three astronauts perished.

* Wed., Jan. 28 - 23rd anniversary [1986] of STS Space Shuttle Challenger explosion; seven astronauts perished.
Viewed at Pittsburgh's Buhl Planetarium.

* Fri., Jan. 30, 7:00 a.m. EST - Venus 3 degrees south of Moon

* Sat., Jan. 31 - 51st anniversary [1958] of the first successful launch, by the USA, of an artificial satellite: Explorer 1

2009 February
American Heart Month
African American History Month

Moon Phases:
Today *** Calendar Month
Next 27.322 Days
(Orbital Period)

Planets *** Occultations
Constellations *** Star Chart
View ISS (Space Station)

Astronomical Glossary
of Terms Used

* Mon., Feb. 2 - Traditional Astronomical Cross-Quarter Day Candlemas, better known as Groundhog Day (also see < http://www.groundhog.org > (First traditional Astronomical Cross-Quarter Day of year; approximate mid-way point in Winter season.); actual cross-quarter day.
See 2006 results. (Groundhog Day at Gobler's Knob, Punxsutawney PA - Sunrise: 7:25 a.m. EST)

* Mon., Feb. 2, 6:13 p.m. EST - First Quarter Moon

* Tue., Feb. 3, 11:45 a.m. EST - Actual Astronomical Cross-Quarter Day Candlemas (First actual Astronomical Cross-Quarter Day of year; approximate mid-way point in Winter season.); traditional cross-quarter day.

* Wed., Feb. 4 - Lichun - Beginning of first Solar term (of 24 Solar terms in one year) of traditional East Asia calendars; also known as the start of Spring (occurs each year around Feb.4).

* Wed., Feb. 4, 10:00 p.m. EST - Moon 0.9 degree north of Pleiades Star Cluster (M45)

* Thur., Feb. 5 - National Weatherperson's Day - Birth of one of America's first weather observers, John Jeffries: 1744 February 5.

* Fri., Feb. 6 - National Wear Red Day - Go Red for Women movement to heart disease in women (American Heart Association)

* Sat., Feb. 7, 3:00 p.m. EST - Moon at perigee: 361,488 kilometers.

* Sun., Feb. 8, 12:00 Noon EST - Moon 1.5 degrees south of Beehive Star Cluster (M44)

* Mon. Feb. 9, 7:38:46 a.m. EST - Penumbral Eclipse of the Moon - Visible: Western North America, Alaska, Hawaii, Australia, and East Asia. Deepest penumbral eclipse of the year with a penumbral magnitude of 0.899. It will be easily visible to the naked eye as a dusky shading in the northern half of the Moon. It is SAFE to look at a lunar eclipse or eclipse of the Moon.

* Mon. Feb. 9, 9:49 a.m. EST - Full Moon (Snow Moon)

* Wed., Feb. 11 - Birthday of first American President, George Washington (1732), according to Julian Calendar (also known as "Old Style Calendar"), at use at that time; according to Gregorian Calendar, which we use today, George Washington's birthday occurred on Feb. 22.

* Wed., Feb. 11, 3:00 p.m. EST - Saturn 6 degrees north of Moon

* Thur., Feb. 12 - Bicentennial: Birthday of 16th American President, Abraham Lincoln (1809). (February 12)

* Thur., Feb. 12 - Bicentennial: Birthday of English naturalist, Charles Darwin (1809). (February 12); Darwin Day

* Thur., Feb. 12, 8:00 a.m. EST - Neptune in conjunction with the Sun (Neptune not visible)

* Thur., Feb. 12, after evening twilight - Zodiacal Light - visible for next two weeks, for the Northern Latitudes, in the evening sky.

* Fri. through Mon., Feb. 13, 14, 15, 16, - CITIZEN SCIENCE: The Great Backyard Bird Count weekend

* Fri., Feb. 13 - "Friday the 13th" superstition; debunking this superstition, purpose of character King Friday the 13th on popular PBS children's television series, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (originated at WQED-TV channel 13 in Pittsburgh).

* Sat., Feb. 14 - St. Valentine's Day (Observed - February 14)

* Mon. Feb. 16 - Presidents' Day - (Observed - USA Federal Holiday: Third Monday in February)

* Mon. Feb. 16, 4:37 p.m. EST - Last Quarter Moon

* Tue. Feb. 17 - DIGITAL TELEVISION CONVERSION DEADLINE DELAYED UNTIL 2009 JUNE 12. Original Congressional date for conversion of American television broadcasting from analog transmission to digital transmission.

* Tue. Feb. 17, 5:00 a.m. EST - Mars 0.6 degree south of Jupiter.

* Tue. Feb. 17, 4:00 p.m. EST - Star Antares 0.04 degree south of Moon; occultation: Southeast Asia, Indonesia, most of Australia, Oceania, and French Polynesia.

* Thur., Feb. 19, 10:00 a.m. EST - Maximum illumination of Venus

* Thur., Feb. 19, 12:00 Noon EST - Moon at apogee: 405,129 kilometers.

* Sat., Feb. 21 - Venus at perihelion

* Feb. 22 - Birthday of first American President, George Washington (1732), according to Gregorian Calendar, which we use today; according to Julian Calendar (also known as "Old Style Calendar") at use at that time, George Washington's birthday occurred on Feb. 11.

* Sun., Feb. 22, 5:00 p.m. EST - Mercury 1.1 degrees south of Moon; occultation: Eastern China, most of Japan, northeastern section of Siberia, Alaska.

* Sun., Feb. 22, 8:00 p.m. EST - Jupiter 0.7 degree south of Moon; occultation: Philippines, Malaysia, Guam, Southeast Asia, most of China, eastern Siberia, Japan, Aleutian Islands.

* Mon. Feb. 23, 3:00 a.m. EST - Mars 1.7 degrees south of Moon

* Mon. Feb. 23, 10:00 p.m. EST - Mercury 0.6 degree south of Jupiter

* Tue. Feb. 24 - Shrove Tuesday/Fat Tuesday

* Tue. Feb. 24, 8:35 p.m. EST - New Moon: Lunation 1066

* Wed., Feb. 25 - Ash Wednesday

* Wed., Feb. 25, 9:00 a.m. EST - Asteroid Ceres at opposition

* Thur., Feb. 26 - Mercury at aphelion

* Fri., Feb. 27 - Uranus at aphelion

* Fri., Feb. 27, 6:00 p.m. EST - Venus 1.3 degrees north of Moon; occultation: Pacific Ocean area southwest of Chile.

2009 March
"March roars in like a lion and goes out like a lamb."
National Reading Month
Red Cross Month
Women's History Month

Spring Begins: March 20

Moon Phases:
Today *** Calendar Month
Next 27.322 Days
(Orbital Period)

Planets *** Occultations
Constellations *** Star Chart
View ISS (Space Station)

Astronomical Glossary
of Terms Used

* Sun., March 1 - Beginning of Autumn Season in Australia

* Sun., March 1 - St. David's Day

* Sun., March 1, 3:00 p.m. EST - Mercury 0.6 degree south of Mars.

* March 1 to 7 - Severe Weather Awareness Week (Pennsylvania)

* March 1 to 8 - National Sleep Awareness Week (coincides, each year, with conversion to Daylight Saving Time)

* Mon. March 2 - Read Across America sponsored by the National Education Association to motivate children to read, in addition to helping them master basic skills. (Annual--on or near March 2, birthday of Dr. Seuss.)

* Tue., March 3, 3:00 a.m. EST - Moon 0.8 degree north of Pleiades Star Cluster (M45)

* March 4 - Pennsylvania Charter Day - William Penn received charter, for what became the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, from Great Britain's King Charles II on 1681 March 4. (March 4)

* Wed., March 4, 2:46 a.m. EST - First Quarter Moon

* Wed., March 4, 7:00 p.m. EST - Mercury 1.6 degrees south of Neptune

* March 5 - Launch: Kepler Telescope mission to search for Earth-like planets in other solar systems

* Sat., March 7, 10:00 a.m. EST - Moon at perigee: 367,017 kilometers

* Sat., March 7, 9:00 p.m. EST - Moon 1.5 degrees south of Beehive Star Cluster (M44)

* Sat., March 7, 11:00 p.m. EST - Mars 0.8 degree south of Neptune

* Sun., March 8, 2:00 a.m. Prevailing Time (U.S.A.) - DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS - Beginning in 2007, EARLY DUE TO NEW FEDERAL LAW

* Sun., March 8, 4:00 p.m. EDST - Saturn at opposition (Saturn visible all night long)

* Tue., March 10, 10:38 p.m. EDST - Full Moon (Worm Moon)

* Tue., March 10, 11:00 p.m. EDST - Saturn 6 degrees north of Moon

* Wed., March 11, 12:03 a.m. EDST - Double shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope.

* Thur., March 12, 9:00 p.m. EDST - Uranus in conjunction with the Sun (Uranus, while only visible with a telescope, not visible during conjunction with the Sun)

* Fri., March 13 - "Friday the 13th" superstition; debunking this superstition, purpose of character King Friday the 13th on popular PBS children's television series, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (originated at WQED-TV channel 13 in Pittsburgh).

* Fri., March 13 - Zodiacal Light dimly visible in northern lattitudes in western sky, after evening twilight, for next two weeks.

* Sun., March 15 - " Ides of March"

* Sun., March 15 - Buzzards return to Hinckley, Ohio (Cleveland suburb)

* March 15 to 21 - Wildfire Prevention Week (Pennsylvania: Spring, Autumn)

* March 16 to 20 - National Flood Safety Awareness Week

* March 16 to 20 - Fix-a-Leak Week (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)

* March 16 to 28 - CITIZEN SCIENCE: Globe at Night
Participate with hundreds of people, worldwide, to monitor effects of
light pollution, by observing Constellation Orion, The Hunter.
Click here to learn how you and your family can participate!

* Tue., March 17 - St. Patrick's Day

* Tue., March 17 - 1:00 a.m. EDST - Star Antares 0.2 degree south of Moon; occultation: northeastern portion of South America, South Atlantic Ocean, most of southern Africa except southern tip, northern portion of Madagascar, Yemen.

* Wed., March 18, 1:47 p.m. EDST - Last Quarter Moon

* Thur., March 19 - St. Joseph's Day - Swallows return to Mission San Juan Capistrano, California

* Thur., March 19, 9:00 a.m. EDST - Moon at apogee: 404,299 kilometers.

* Fri., March 20 - Sun-Earth Day (NASA: Day of the Vernal Equinox)

* Fri., March 20, 7:44 a.m. EDST - Vernal Equinox - Spring Season begins in Northern Hemisphere of Earth: beginning of New Year (solar calendar) in Afghanistan and Iran.

* Sun., March 22 - World Water Day

* Sun., March 22, 5:00 p.m. EDST - Jupiter 1.5 degrees south of Moon

* March 22 to 28 - Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week (Ohio)

* Tue., March 24 - 10:00 a.m. EDST - Mars 4 degrees south of Moon

* Wed., March 25, 9:50 a.m. EDST - Ohio Statewide Tornado Drill

* Thur., March 26, 12:06 p.m. EDST - New Moon: lunation 1067

* Fri., March 27, 3:00 p.m. EDST - Venus in inferior conjunction with the Sun (Venus not visible)

* Sat., March 28, 8:30 p.m. Prevailing Time - Earth Hour, to eliminate electric lighting for one hour for energy conservation awareness.

* March 28 to April 12 - Annual National Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington DC

* Mon., March 30 - National Doctors' Day (March 30)

* Mon., March 30 - 10:00 a.m. EDST - Moon 0.6 degree north of Pleiades Star Cluster (M45)

* Mon., March 30 - 11:00 p.m. EDST - Mercury in superior conjunction with the Sun (Mercury not visible)

2009 April
" April showers bring May flowers !"
School Library Media Month
National Kite Month

Meteor Shower -
Lyrid: April 22

Moon Phases:
Today *** Calendar Month
Next 27.322 Days
(Orbital Period)

Planets *** Occultations
Constellations *** Star Chart
View ISS (Space Station)

Astronomical Glossary
of Terms Used

* Wed., April 1 - 55th anniversary (1954) of the first broadcast of educational television station WQED-TV 13 in Pittsburgh, the nation's first community-supported television station. Also, for the 55th anniversary, WQED-TV plans to completely convert to digital broadcasting, by shutting-down the channel 13 analog transmitter on April 1. Temporarily, WQED-TV will be broadcasting their digital signal on channel 38 (digital tuners will automatically switch televisions from channel 13 to 38), until the channel 13 digital transmitter is ready on August 18.

* Wed., April 1 - April Fool's Day

* Wed., April 1, 4:00 p.m. EDST - Moon 2.0 degrees north of the M35 Open Star Cluster in the Constellation Gemini the Twins.

* Wed., April 1, 10:00 p.m. EDST - Moon at perigee: 370,013 kilometers.

* April 2 to 5 - 100 Hours of Astronomy Cornerstone Project of the International Year of Astronomy (2009). Includes world-wide astronomical observing events, with the waxing gibbous Moon and Saturn being highlights of the early evening.
ALSO INCLUDES: International Sidewalk Astronomy Night

* Thur., April 2, 10:34 a.m. EDST - First Quarter Moon

* Sat., April 4, 5:00 a.m. EDST - Moon 1.7 degrees south of Beehive Star Cluster (M$$)

* Sun., April 5 - Palm Sunday

* April 6 to 12 - National Public Health Week

* Tue., April 7, 3:00 a.m. EDST - Saturn 6 degrees north of Moon

* Wed., April 8 - National Start! Walking Day

* Wed., April 8, Sunset (Sunset in Pittsburgh: 7:53 p.m. EDST) to nightfall of April 15/16 - Passover

* Thur., April 9 - Holy Thursday

* Thur., April 9, 10:56 a.m. EDST - Full Moon (Pink Moon)

* Fri., April 10 - Good Friday

* Sat., April 11 - Holy Saturday

* Sat., April 11 - Mercury at perihelion

* April 12 to 18 - National Library Week

* Sun., April 12 - Easter Sunday - Traditional (most Christian denominations except Orthodox demoninations); date determined by the Gregorian Calendar. (Sunrise in Pittsburgh: 6:46 a.m. EDST) - First Sunday following the first "Paschal" Full Moon that occurs on or after March 21 (usually the Vernal Equinox when the Spring Season begins); More info.

* Sun., April 12 - Orthodox Palm Sunday

* Mon., April 13 - Easter Monday

* Mon., April 13, 9:00 a.m. EDST - Star Antares 0.4 degree south of Moon; occultation: Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Hawaii, Mexico, Guatemala.

* Mon., April 13, 12:56 p.m. EDST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope.

* Tue., April 14 - National Library Workers Day

* Wed., April 15 - Tax Day (USA) - Individual Federal, State, and local tax returns due or postmarked by end of day.

* Wed., April 15, 12:00 Midnight EDST - Mars 0.5 degree south of Uranus

* Thur., April 16 - Support Teen Literature Day

* Thur., April 16, 5:00 a.m. EDST - Moon at apogee: 404,232 kilometers.

* Fri., April 17 - Orthodox Holy Friday

* Fri., April 17, 9:36 a.m. EDST - Last Quarter Moon

* Sat., April 18, 1:00 p.m. EDST - Venus 6 degrees north of Mars

* April 19 to 25 - National Volunteer Week

* April 19 to 25 - Administrative Professionals Week

* Sun., April 19 - Patriots' Day

* Sun., April 19 - Orthodox Easter date determined by the Julian Calendar

* Sun., April 19, 12:00 Noon EDST - Jupiter 2 degrees south of Moon

* April 20 to 26 - National Dark-Sky Week (NDSW)

* Tue., April 21 - Mars at perihelion

* Wed., April 22 - Earth Day

* Wed., April 22 - Administrative Professionals (Secretary's) Day

* Wed., April 22, 6:00 a.m. EDST - Peak of Lyrid Meteor Shower

* Wed., April 22, 10:00 a.m. EDST - Venus 1.1 degrees south of Moon; occultation: northern Mexico, most of United States of America except eastern portion, most of Canada except eastern portion, most of Greenland, eastern Alaska, Svalbad.

* Thur., April 23 - National Take Our Daughters and Sons To Work Day (Fourth Thursday in April)

* Fri., April 24 - Arbor Day - National Arbor Day Foundation (last Friday of April)

* Fri., April 24, 11:23 p.m. EDST - New Moon: lunation 1068

* April 25 to May 2 - National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW)

* Sun., April 26, 12:00 Noon EDST - Mercury 1.9 degrees south of Moon

* Sun., April 26, 5:00 p.m. EDST - Moon 0.4 degree north of Pleiades Star Cluster (M45)

* April 27 to May 3 - International Astronomy Week

* Tue., April 28 - Save the Frogs Day - Also see news article

* Tue., April 28, 2:00 a.m. EDST - Moon at perigee: 366,040 kilometers.

* Tue., April 28, 10:00 p.m. EDST - Moon 1.8 degrees north of the M35 Open Star Cluster in the Constellation Gemini the Twins.

2009 May
" April showers bring May flowers !"
National Preservation Month
Museums and Galleries Month
Toddler Immunization Month

Meteor Shower - n-Aquarid: May 5

Moon Phases:
Today *** Calendar Month
Next 27.322 Days
(Orbital Period)

Planets *** Occultations
Constellations *** Star Chart
View ISS (Space Station)

Astronomical Glossary
of Terms Used

* April 27 to May 3 - International Astronomy Week

* Fri., May 1 - Traditional Astronomical Cross-Quarter Day Beltaine, better known as May Day ( Second traditional Astronomical Cross-Quarter Day of year; approximate mid-way point in Spring season.); actual cross-quarter day.

* Fri., May 1 - Space Day (First Friday in May)

* Fri., May 1 - Law Day

* Fri., May 1, 10:00 a.m. EDST - Moon 2.0 degrees south of Beehive Star Cluster (M44)

* Fri., May 1, 4:44 p.m. EDST - First Quarter Moon

* Sat., May 2 - International Astronomy Day

* Sat., May 2 - Venus at its brightest (morning planet)

* May 3 to 9 - Arson Awareness Week

* Mon., May 4, 7:00 a.m. EDST - Saturn 6 degrees north of Moon

* Tue., May 5 - Cinco de Mayo - Mexico (May 5)

* Tue., May 5, 4:46 a.m. EDST - Actual Astronomical Cross-Quarter Day Beltaine, better known as May Day ( Second traditional Astronomical Cross-Quarter Day of year; approximate mid-way point in Spring season.); traditional cross-quarter day.

* Tue., May 5, 8:00 p.m. EDST - Peak of n-Aquarid Meteor Shower

* Sat., May 9 - International Migratory Bird Day (Second Saturday in May)

* Sat., May 9 - National Train Day

* Sat., May 9, 12:01 a.m. EDST - Full Moon (Flower Moon).

* May 10 to 16 - Food Allergy Awareness Week (FAAW)

* May 10 to 16 - National Police Week (Week including May 15)

* Sun., May 10 - Mothers' Day (Second Sunday in May)

* Sun., May 10, 5:00 p.m. EDST - Star Antares 0.5 degree south of Moon; occultation: North America except most of Canada, northern portion of South America, North Atlantic Ocean, northwestern portion of Africa.

* May 11 to 17 - Children's Book Week (Moved from 2007 Nov. 12 to 18)

* Wed., May 13, 11:00 p.m. EDST - Moon at apogee: 404,915 kilometers.

* Fri., May 15 - National Peace Officers' Memorial Day (May 15)

* Fri., May 15 - Bike-to-Work Day (Third Friday in May)

* May 16 to 22 - National Safe Boating Week

* Sat., May 16 - Armed Forces Day (USA) - (Third Saturday in May)

* May 17 to 23 - Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week

* Sun., May 17, 3:26 a.m. EDST - Last Quarter Moon

* Sun., May 17, 3:56 a.m. EDST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope.

* Sun., May 17, 4:00 a.m. EDST - Jupiter 3 degrees south of Moon

* Mon., May 18 - International Museum Day (May 18)

* Mon., May 18 - Victoria Day - Canada (Last Monday before or on May 24)

* Mon., May 18, 6:00 a.m. EDST - Mercury in inferior conjunction (Mercury not visible)

* Thur., May 21, 4:00 a.m. EDST - Venus 7 degrees south of Moon

* Thur., May 21, 4:00 p.m. EDST - Mars 7 degrees south of Moon

* Sun., May 24, 8:11 a.m. EDST - New Moon: Lunation 1069.

* Mon., May 25 - Memorial Day - USA (Last Monday in May);
originally observed as Decoration Day - USA (May 30)

* Mon., May 25 - National Missing Children's Day (May 25)

* Mon. May 25 - Mercury at aphelion

* Mon. May 25, 8:00 a.m. EDST - Jupiter 0.4 degree south of Neptune

* Tue., May 26, 12:00 Midnight EDST - Moon at perigee: 361,153 kilometers.

* Tue., May 26, 6:00 a.m. EDST - Moon 1.6 degrees north of M35 Open Star Cluster in Constellation Gemini the Twins.

* Sat., May 30 - Decoration Day - USA (May 30) - now observed as Memorial Day on last Monday in May.

* Sat., May 30, 11:22 p.m. EDST - First Quarter Moon

* Sun., May 31, 1:00 p.m. EDST - Saturn 6 degrees north of Moon

2009 June

Meteor Shower -- Arietid: peaks June 8.

Summer Solstice: June 21.

Moon Phases:
Today *** Calendar Month
Next 27.322 Days
(Orbital Period)

Planets *** Occultations
Constellations *** Star Chart
View ISS (Space Station)

Astronomical Glossary
of Terms Used

* Mon., June 1 - Beginning of Hurricane Season in the Atlantic Ocean

* Tue., June 2, 2:12 a.m. EDST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope.

Fri., June 5 - World Environment Day.

* Sun., June 7, 12:00 Midnight EDST - Star Antares 0.6 degree south of Moon; occultation: most of North America except most of Canada, northern portion of South America, northen portion of the Atlantic Ocean, northwest porition of Africa.

* Sun., June 7, 2:12 p.m. EDST - Full Moon (Strawberry Moon).

* Mon., June 8 - Peak of Arietid Meteor Shower

* Tue., June 9, 4:06 a.m. EDST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope.

* Wed., June 10, 12:00 Noon EDST - Moon at apogee: 405,787 kilometers.

* Fri., June 12 - DIGITAL TELEVISION CONVERSION DEADLINE DELAYED UNTIL 2009 JUNE 12. Original Congressional date for conversion of American television broadcasting from analog transmission to digital transmission.

* Fri., June 12, 2:00 a.m. EDST - Mercury 8 degrees south of Pleiades Star Cluster (M45)

* Sat., June 13 - Venus at aphelion

* Sat., June 13, 2:00 p.m. EDST - Jupiter 3 degrees south of Moon

* Sun., June 14 - Flag Day - USA (June 14)

* Mon., June 15, 6:15 p.m. EDST - Last Quarter Moon

* Mon., June 15, 7:00 p.m. EDST - Asteroid Juno 0.4 degree north of Moon; occultation: Indian Ocean, northwestern portion of Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, New Guinea, Melanesia.

* Tue., June 16, 6:39 a.m. EDST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope.

* Fri., June 19, 10:00 a.m. EDST - Venus 2 degrees south of Mars

* Fri., June 19, 1:00 p.m. EDST - Venus 8 degrees south of Moon

* Fri., June 19, 1:00 p.m. EDST - Mars 6 degrees south of Moon

* Sat., June 20, 1:00 p.m. EDST - Moon 0.5 degree north of Pleiades Star Cluster (M45)

* June 21 to 27 - National Lightning Safety Awareness Week

* Sun., June 21 - Fathers' Day (third Sunday in June)

* Sun., June 21, 1:46 a.m. EDST - Summer Solstice; Season of Summer begins in Earth's Northern Hemisphere (Also see 1985-1991: Annual Free Day at Buhl Planetarium).

* Sun., June 21, 5:00 a.m. EDST - Mercury 7 degrees south of Moon

* Mon., June 22, 8:00 a.m. EDST - Asteroid Vesta in conjunction with the Sun (Vesta not visible)

* Mon., June 22, 10:00 a.m. EDST - Mercury 3 degrees north of Star Aldebaran

* Mon., June 22, 3:35 p.m. EDST - New Moon: Lunation 1070

* Tue., June 23, 4:00 a.m. EDST - Dwarf Planet Pluto at opposition (visible all-night long, with difficulty in a telescope)

* Tue., June 23, 7:00 a.m. EDST - Moon at perigee: 358,014 kilometers; Large Tides predicted.

* Wed., June 24 - St. Jean Baptiste Day/Quebec National Holiday (Quebec: June 24)

* June 27 & 28 - Annual Amateur Radio Field Day, when ham radio operators test emergency radio operations (Always The Fourth Full Weekend In June).

* Sat., June 27, 10:00 p.m. EDST - Saturn 7 degrees north of Moon

* Mon., June 29, 7:28 a.m. EDST - First Quarter Moon

* Tue., June 30 - Last day of Fiscal Year (Pennsylvania: June 30).

2009 July

Meteor Shower -- S. Delta-Aquarid: peaks July 28.

Moon Phases:
Today *** Calendar Month
Next 27.322 Days
(Orbital Period)

Planets *** Occultations
Constellations *** Star Chart
View ISS (Space Station)

Astronomical Glossary
of Terms Used

* Wed., July 1 - First day of 2009-2010 Fiscal Year: Pennsylvania, July 1.

* July 3 - Aug. 11 (approx.) - " The Dog Days of Summer"

* Fri., July 3, 7:00 p.m. EDST - Venus 7 degrees south of Pleiades Star Cluster (M45).

* Fri., July 3, 10:00 p.m. EDST - Earth at aphelion (farthest point in orbit from Sun): 152,091,221 kilometers.

* Sat., July 4 - : Independence Day: U.S.A., 1776 July 4

* Sat., July 4, 6:00 a.m. EDST - Star Antares 0.5 degree south of Moon; occultation: Japan, Guam, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Hawaii.

* Tue., July 7, 5:21 a.m. EDST - Full Moon: Buck Moon (smallest Full Moon in 2009).

* Tue., July 7, 5:38:36.2 a.m. EDST (Time of Greatest Eclipse) - Penumbral Eclipse of the Moon - Barely visible in most of Western Hemisphere (except northern Alaska, northern and eastern extremes of Canada, and eastern half of Atlantic Ocean), Australia, Japan, and Pacific Ocean.

* Tue., July 7, 6:00 p.m. EDST - Moon at apogee: 406,322 kilometers.

* Wed., July 8 - Mercury at perihelion.

* Fri., July 10, 12:00 Noon EDST - Mars 5 degrees south of Pleiades Star Cluster (M45).

* Fri., July 10, 6:00 p.m. EDST - Jupiter 4 degrees south of Moon.

* Sat., July 11 - World Population Day: UN, July 11

* Mon., July 13, 3:00 p.m. EDST - Jupiter 0.6 degree south of Neptune.

* Mon., July 13, 10:00 p.m. EDST - Mercury in superior conjuntion with Sun (Mercury not visible).

* Tue., July 14, 2:00 p.m. EDST - Venus 3 degrees north of Star Aldebaran.

* Wed., July 15, 5:53 a.m. EDST - Last Quarter Moon.

* Fri., July 17, 11:00 p.m. EDST - Moon 0.5 degree north of Pleiades Star Cluster (M45).

* Sat., July 18, 8:00 a.m. EDST - Mars 5 degrees south of Moon.

* Sun., July 19 - About 2000 years ago in Greece: Date of the heliacal rising of Sirius; mid-way point of "Dog Days of Summer."

* Sun., July 19, 1:00 a.m. EDST - Venus 6 degrees south of Moon.

* Mon., July 20, 10:56:20 p.m. EDST - 40th anniversary of the first human (Neil Armstrong) to set foot on the Earth's Moon.

* Mon., July 20, 3:00 a.m. EDST - Moon 1.6 degrees north of Open Star Cluster M35.

* Tue., July 21, 4:00 p.m. EDST - Moon at perigee: 357,463 kilometers. Large Tides Predicted.

* Wed., July 22, 10:35 p.m. EDST - New Moon: Lunation 1071.

* Wed., July 21, 2009 10:35:21.1 p.m. EDST (Time of Greatest Eclipse--July 22 in Asia)
Total Eclipse of the Sun - Longest Solar Eclipse of the 21st Century --
Visible in India, China, Pacific Ocean.
SAFE WAY TO VIEW SOLAR ECLIPSE.
Are “hand-made” or “home-made” solar filters or eclipse-viewing glasses safe to use?
How do you find safe eclipse-viewing glasses?

* Sat., July 25, 11:00 a.m. EDST - Saturn 7 degrees north of Moon.

* Mon., July 27, 7:00 a.m. EDST - Mars 5 degrees north of Star Aldebaran.

* Tue., July 28, 6:00 p.m. EDST - First Quarter Moon.

* Tue., July 28, 11:00 p.m. EDST - Peak of S. Delta-Aquarid Meteor Shower

* Wed., July 29 - Annual Rain Day in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania: July 29

* Fri., July 31 - Heliacal rising of Sirius (the "Dog Star"); modern mid-way point in "Dog Days of Summer" (however, Sirius not visible until, at least, Aug. 7, due to glare of Sun): July 31.

* Fri., July 31, 12:00 Noon EDST - Star Antares 0.5 degree south of Moon; occultation: northeastern portion of Africa, southeastern portion of Europe, Middle East, India, southern portion of China, Southeast Asia, northern portion of Philippines.

2009 August

Meteor Shower -- Perseids: peaks Aug. 12-13;
AMONG BEST OF YEAR !

Moon Phases:
Today *** Calendar Month
Next 27.322 Days
(Orbital Period)

Planets *** Occultations
Constellations *** Star Chart
View ISS (Space Station)

Astronomical Glossary
of Terms Used

* Sat., Aug. 1 - Traditional Astronomical Cross-Quarter Day Lammas or First Harvest (third traditional cross-quarter day of the year) between Midsummer Solstice & Autumnal Equinox; actual cross-quarter day.

* Sun., Aug. 2 - Friendship Day (First Sunday in August).

* Sun., Aug. 2, 3:00 p.m. EDST - Mercury 0.6 degree north of Star Regulus.

* Sun., Aug. 2, 7:00 p.m. EDST - Venus 2 degrees south of Open Star Cluster M35.

* Mon., Aug. 3 - Civic Holiday in certain Canadian provinces (First Monday in August)

* Mon., Aug. 3, 9:00 p.m. EDST - Moon at apogee: 406,028 kilometers.

* Tue., Aug. 4 - National Night Out

* Wed., Aug. 5, 8:39:11.4 p.m. EDST (Time of Greatest Eclipse; Aug. 6 in Europe, Africa, Asia) - Penumbral Eclipse of the Moon (safe to view directly): full eclipse visible in South America, Europe, Africa, most of Middle East; partial eclipse visible in east and central North America, western Asia.

* Wed., Aug. 5, 8:55 p.m. EDST - Full Moon: Sturgeon Moon.

* Thur., Aug. 6, 6:00 p.m. EDST - Jupiter 3 degrees south of Moon.

Fri., Aug. 7 - National Lighthouse Day

* Fri., Aug. 7, 4:58 a.m. EDST - Actual Astronomical Cross-Quarter Day Lammas or First Harvest is the (third actual cross-quarter day of the year) between Midsummer Solstice & Autumnal Equinox; traditional cross-quarter day.

* Fri., Aug. 7 - First visible (Sirius rises ahead of Sun at 7 degrees altitude) Heliacal rising of Sirius; modern mid-way point in "The Dog Days of Summer."

* Wed., Aug. 12, 2:00 p.m. EDST - Peak of Perseid Meteor Shower, considered one of the best of the year!

* Wed., Aug. 12, 5:12 p.m. EDST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope.

* Thur., Aug. 13, 2:55 p.m. EDST - Last Quarter Moon.

* Fri., Aug. 14, 7:00 a.m. EDST - Moon 0.5 degree north of Pleiades Star Cluster (M45).

* Fri., Aug. 14, 2:00 p.m. EDST - Jupiter at opposition: Jupiter visible all-night long.

* Sat., Aug. 15, 11:00 p.m. EDST - Mars 3 degrees south of Moon.

* Sun., Aug. 16, 1:00 p.m. EDST - Moon 1.6 degrees north of Open Star Cluster M35.

* Mon., Aug. 17, 5:00 p.m. EDST - Venus 1.7 degrees south of Moon.

* Mon., Aug. 17, 5:00 p.m. EDST - Neptune at opposition: Neptune visible all-night long in telescopes only!

* Tue., Aug. 18, 3:00 a.m. EDST - Asteroid Vesta 0.4 degree south of Moon; occultation: North Atlantic Ocean, Europe, northern tip of Africa, western portion of Russia, Middle East, India, western portion of China, Southeast Asia.

* Tue., Aug. 18, 5:00 p.m. EDST - Mercury 3 degrees south of Saturn.

* Wed., Aug. 19, 1:00 a.m. EDST - Moon at perigee: 359,639 kilometers.

* Wed., Aug. 19, 7:47 p.m. EDST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope.

* Thur., Aug. 20, 6:08 a.m. EDST - New Moon: Lunation 1072.

* Thur., Aug. 20, Sunset - Ramadan, Islamic religious observance (based on Lunar Calendar and sighting of the New Moon), begins (Sunset in Pittsburgh: 8:10 p.m. EDST).

* Fri., Aug. 21 - Mercury at aphelion.

* Sat., Aug. 22, 12:00 a.m. EDST - Venus 7 degrees south of Star Pollux.

* Sat., Aug. 22, 2:00 a.m. EDST - Saturn 7 degrees north of Moon.

* Sat., Aug. 22, 8:00 a.m. EDST - Mercury 3 degrees north of Moon.

* Wed., Aug. 26, 9:42 p.m. EDST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope.

* Thur., Aug. 27, 7:42 a.m. EDST - First Quarter Moon.

* Thur., Aug. 27, 6:00 p.m. EDST - Star Antares 0.6 degree south of Moon; occultation: North America except most of Canada, northern portion of South America, North Atlantic Ocean, northwestern portion of Africa.

* Fri., Aug. 28, 10:00 p.m. EDST - Mars 0.8 degree south of Open Star Cluster M35.

* Mon., Aug. 31, 7:00 a.m. EDST - Moon at apogee: 405,269 kilometers.

2009 September

Sept. 22 - Autumnal Equinox: Autumn Begins

Autumn Foliage Report:
PA * OH * WV * MD
NE USA * SE USA
Midwest USA
"The Foliage Network"
Peak Viewing Maps
National Forests:
Eastern Region * Home Page
Why Leaves Change Color

Moon Phases:
Today *** Calendar Month
Next 27.322 Days
(Orbital Period)

Planets *** Occultations
Constellations *** Star Chart
View ISS (Space Station)

Astronomical Glossary
of Terms Used

* Tue., Sept. 1 - Beginning of Spring Season in Australia

* Tue., Sept. 1 - Peak of Aurigid Meteor Shower.

* Tue., Sept. 1, 11:00 p.m. EDST - Venus 1.5 degrees south of Beehive Star Cluster (M44).

* Wed., Sept. 2, 5:00 p.m. EDST - Jupiter 3 degrees south of Moon.

* Thur., Sept. 3, 12:43 a.m. EDST - Jupiter visible without Galilean Moons (two moons behind planet while two moon transit in front of planet--transiting moons not visible with telescope)--rare event not visible again until 2019.

* Thur., Sept. 3, 2:43 a.m. EDST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope.

* Fri., Sept. 4, 12:03 p.m. EDST - Full Moon (Corn Moon)

* Mon., Sept. 7 - Labor Day (Federal Holiday: U.S.A. - First Monday in September)

* Thur., Sept. 10, 12:00 Noon EDST - Moon 0.3 degree north of Pleiades Star Cluster (M45).

* Fri., Sept. 11 - Patriot Day - In commemoration of the 9/11 attacks in New York, Washington, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania (September 11).

* Fri., Sept. 11, 10:16 p.m. EDST - Last Quarter Moon.

* Sat., Sept. 12, 8:00 p.m. EDST - Asteroid Pallas in conjunction with Sun (Pallas not visible)

* Sat., Sept. 12, 8:00 p.m. EDST - Moon 1.4 degrees north of the M35 Open Star Cluster in the Constellation Gemini the Twins.

* Sun., Sept. 13 - Grandparents Day (First Sunday after Labor Day).

* Sun., Sept. 13, 12:00 Noon EDST - Mars 1.1 degrees south of Moon; occultation: Central Siberia, northern portion of Scandinavia, Iceland, Greenland, extreme northern section of Canada, and the Arctic.

* Wed., Sept. 16 - Zodiacal Light dimly visible in northern lattitudes in eastern sky, before morning twilight, for next two weeks.

* Wed., Sept. 16, 4:00 a.m. EDST - Moon at perigee: 364,053 kilometers.

* Wed., Sept. 16, 2:00 p.m. EDST - Venus 3 degrees north of Moon.

* Thur., Sept. 17 - Constitution Day or Citizenship Day - Commemorates the day of signing of the U.S. Constitution at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 (September 17).

* Thur., Sept. 17, 6:00 a.m. EDST - Uranus at opposition: Uranus visible, with a telescope, all night.

* Thur., Sept. 17, 2:00 p.m. EDST - Saturn in conjunction with Sun (Saturn not visible).

* Fri., Sept. 18, 2:44 p.m. EDST - New Moon; Lunation number 1073).

* Fri., Sept. 18, Sunset - Rosh Hashanah - Head of the Jewish Year (Sunset in Pittsburgh: 7:24 p.m. EDST)>

* Sat., Sept. 19, Sunset - Eid ul-Fitr - Celebrated as day Muslims end fasting for Ramadan (Sunset in Pittsburgh: 7:22 p.m. EDST).

* Sun., Sept. 20, 6:00 a.m. EDST - Venus 0.5 degree north of Star Regulus.

* Sun., Sept. 20, 6:00 a.m. EDST - Mercury in inferior conjunction with Sun (Mercury not visible).

* Mon., Sept. 21, 4:00 a.m. EDST - Asteroid Juno at opposition; Juno visible, with a telescope, all night.

* Tue., Sept. 22, 5:19 p.m. EDST - Autumnal Equinox; beginning of Season of Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.

* Thur., Sept. 24, 2:00 a.m. EDST - Star Antares 0.8 degree south of Moon; occultation: Eastern portion of China, Taiwan, Japan, southeastern portion of Russia, western portion of the Pacific Ocean.

* Sat., Sept. 26, 12:50 a.m. EDST - First Quarter Moon.

* Sun., Sept. 27, Sunset - Yom Kippur - Jewish Holy Day of Atonement and Holiness (Sunset in Pittsburgh: 7:09 p.m. EDST).

* Mon., Sept. 28, 12:00 Midnight EDST - Moon at apogee: 404,432 kilometers.

* Tue., Sept. 29, 8:00 p.m. EDST - Jupiter 3 degrees south of Moon.

2009 October
Fire Prevention Month
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
World Blindness Awareness Month

Meteor Showers:
Draconid peaks Oct. 8.
Orionid peaks Oct. 21.

Autumn Foliage Report:
PA * OH * WV * MD
NE USA * SE USA
Midwest USA
"The Foliage Network"
Peak Viewing Maps
National Forests:
Eastern Region * Home Page
Why Leaves Change Color

Moon Phases:
Today *** Calendar Month
Next 27.322 Days
(Orbital Period)

Planets *** Occultations
Constellations *** Star Chart
View ISS (Space Station)

Astronomical Glossary
of Terms Used

* Oct. 4 to 10 - World Space Week (Oct. 4 to 10)

* Oct. 4 to 10 - Fire Prevention Week (first full week of Oct.)

* Sun., Oct. 4 - Mercury at perihelion.

* Sun., Oct. 4 - Venus at perihelion.

* Sun., Oct. 4, 2:10 a.m. EDST - Full Moon (Harvest Moon).

* Mon., Oct. 5, 6:00 p.m. EDST - Mars 6 degrees south of Star Pollux in Contellation Gemini the Twins.

* Wed., Oct. 7, 6:00 p.m. EDST - Moon 0.1 degree north of Pleiades Star Cluster (M45).

* Thur., Oct. 8, 3:00 a.m. EDST - Peak of Draconid Meteor Shower

* Thur., Oct. 8, 5:00 a.m. EDST - Mercury 0.3 degree south of Saturn.

* Oct. 9 to 23 - Great World Wide Star Count

* Sat., Oct. 10, 1:00 a.m. EDST - Moon 1.2 degrees north of M35 Open Star Cluster in the Constellation Gemini the Twins.

* Sun., Oct. 11 - National Children's Day (Second Sunday in Oct.)

* Sun., Oct. 11 - Clergy Appreciation National Day of Honoring (Second Sunday in Oct.)

* Sun., Oct. 11, 4:56 a.m. EDST - Last Quarter Moon.

* Sun., Oct. 11, 9:00 p.m. EDST - Mars 1.2 degrees north of Moon; occultation: Indian Ocean between South Africa and Antarctica, Kerguelen Islands.

* Mon., Oct. 12 - Chistopher Columbus Day / Chistopher Columbus Day Observed: Federal Holiday in U.S.A. (2nd Mon. in Oct.)

* Mon., Oct. 12 - Thanksgiving Day: Federal Holiday in Canada (2nd Mon. in Oct.)

* Tue., Oct. 13, 8:00 a.m. EDST - Moon at perigee: 369,067 kilometers.

* Tue., Oct. 13, 11:00 a.m. EDST - Venus 0.6 degree south of Saturn.

* Thur., Oct. 15 - Global Handwashing Day.

* Thur., Oct. 15 - Zodiacal Light dimly visible in northern lattitudes in eastern sky, before morning twilight, for next two weeks.

* Fri., Oct. 16 - National Boss Day (Oct. 16, unless date falls on weekend then closest working day to Oct. 16)

* Fri., Oct. 16, 9:00 a.m. EDST - Saturn 7 degrees north of Moon.

* Fri., Oct. 16, 3:00 p.m. EDST - Venue 7 degrees north of Moon.

* Sat., Oct. 17 - Diwali or Deepavali - Religious holiday of India; on the Hindu calendar, the five-day festival of Deepavali is centered on the new moon day that ends the month of Ashwin and begins the month of Kartika.

* Sat., Oct. 17 - Sweetest Day (Third Saturday in Oct.)

* Oct. 18 to Oct. 24 - National Chemistry Week

* Sun., Oct. 18, 1:33 a.m. EDST - New Moon; Lunation: 1074.

* Wed., Oct. 21, 6:00 a.m. EDST - Peak of Orionid Meteor Shower - remnants from Halley's Comet

* Wed., Oct. 21, 11:00 a.m. EDST - Star Antares 1.0 degree south of Moon; occultation: North Atlantic Ocean, Europe, southern portion of Scandinavia, northwestern tip of Africa.

* Fri., Oct. 23 - Day of San Juan - Swallows leave Mission San Juan Capistano, California

* Sat., Oct. 24 - International Astronomy Day (Second Astronomy Day of year, due to International Year of Astronomy)

* Sat., Oct. 24 - 70th anniversary [1939], Dedication of The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science, with the Zeiss II Planetarium Projector, the oldest operable major planetarium projector in the world !

* Sat., Oct. 24 - 1945: Founding of United Nations

* Sun., Oct. 25, 2:00 a.m. EDST - DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME CONTINUES - Change in Federal law, thus that return to Standard Time occurs 2:00 a.m. EDST (which becomes 1:00 a.m. EST) on Sunday, November 1.

* Sun., Oct. 25, 7:00 p.m. EDST - Moon at apogee: 404,166 kilometers.

* Sun., Oct. 25, 8:42 p.m. EDST - First Quarter Moon.

* Tue., Oct. 27, 5:00 a.m. EDST - Jupiter 3 degrees south of Moon.

* Fri., Oct. 30, 12:53 p.m. EDST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope.

* Fri., Oct. 30, 9:00 p.m. EDST (8:00 p.m. EST in 1938) - 1938: CBS Radio Network broadcast of Orson Welles' radio adaptation of the H.G. Wells science-fiction novel, The War of the Worlds, which caused a panic among some American listeners who thought the Earth was actually being invaded by beings from the Planet Mars.

* Sat., Oct. 31/Sun., Nov. 1/Mon., Nov. 2 - Traditional Astronomical Cross-Quarter Day Samhain or "All-Hallowsmas", better known as Halloween (Oct. 31 - "All Hallows Eve"), All-Saints Day (Nov. 1), All-Souls Day (Nov. 2) [fourth and last traditional cross-quarter day of year); actual cross-quarter day.

* Sat., Oct. 31, 11:00 a.m. EDST - Asteroid Ceres in conjunction with Sun (even with telescope, Ceres not visible at this time).

* Sun., Nov. 1, 2:00 a.m. EDST - DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS - Change in Federal law thus that return to Standard Time occurs 2:00 a.m. EDST (which becomes 1:00 a.m. EST) on Sunday, November 1.

* Sat., Nov. 7, 1:42 a.m. EST - Actual Astronomical Cross-Quarter Day Samhain or "All-Hallowsmas" (fourth and last actual cross-quarter day of the year); also see traditional cross-quarter day.

2009 November
American Diabetes Month
National Adoption Month

Meteor Showers:
* South Taurid Meteor Shower: Nov. 5
* North Taurid Meteor Shower: Nov. 12
* Leonid Meteor Shower: Nov. 17

Autumn Foliage Report:
PA * OH * WV * MD
NE USA * SE USA
Midwest USA
"The Foliage Network"
Peak Viewing Maps
National Forests:
Eastern Region * Home Page
Why Leaves Change Color

Moon Phases:
Today *** Calendar Month
Next 27.322 Days
(Orbital Period)

Planets *** Occultations
Constellations *** Star Chart
View ISS (Space Station)

Astronomical Glossary
of Terms Used

* Sun., Nov. 1, 2:00 a.m. EDST - DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS - Change in Federal law thus that return to Standard Time occurs 2:00 a.m. EDST (which becomes 1:00 a.m. EST) on Sunday, November 1.

* Sun., Nov. 1, 3:00 a.m. EST - Mars 0.05 degree south of Beehive Star Cluster (M44).

* Sun., Nov. 1, 9:00 p.m. EST - Venus 4 degrees north of Star Spica.

* Mon., Nov. 2, 2:14 p.m. EST - Full Moon (Hunters' Moon or Beaver Moon).

* Wed., Nov. 4, 12:00 Midnight EST - Moon 0.02 degree south of Pleiades Star Cluster (M45).

* Thur., Nov. 5, 3:00 a.m. EST - Mercury in superior conjunction with Sun (Mercury not visible).

* Thur., Nov. 5, 5:00 a.m. EST - Peak of South Taurid Meteor Shower

* Fri., Nov. 6, 6:00 a.m. EST - Moon 0.9 degree north of M35 Star Cluster.

* Fri., Nov. 6, 1:59 p.m. EST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope.

* Sat., Nov. 7, 1:42 a.m. EST - Actual Astronomical Cross-Quarter Day Samhain or "All-Hallowsmas" (fourth and last actual cross-quarter day of the year); also see traditional cross-quarter day.

* Sat., Nov. 7, 2:00 a.m. EST - Moon at perigee: 368,903 kilometers.

* Mon., Nov. 9, 1:00 a.m. EST - Mars 3 degrees north of Moon.

* Mon., Nov. 9, 10:56 a.m. EST - Last Quarter Moon.

* Thur., Nov. 12, 5:00 a.m. EST - Peak of North Taurid Meteor Shower

* Thur., Nov. 12, 8:00 p.m. EST - Saturn 8 degrees north of Moon.

* Nov. 15 to 21 - Winter Safety Awareness Week (Ohio)

* Mon., Nov. 16, 2:14 p.m. EST - New Moon: Lunation 1075.

* Tue., Nov. 17 - Mercury at aphelion.

* Tue., Nov. 17, 11:00 a.m. EST - Peak of Leonid Meteor Shower

* Sat., Nov. 21 - National Adoption Day (Traditionally, Saturday before Thanksgiving Day - However, moved to Nov. 15 for 2008 not to conflict with 45th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22.).

* Sun., Nov. 22, 3:00 p.m. EST - Moon at apogee: 404,733 kilometers.

* Mon., Nov. 23, 5:00 p.m. EST - Jupiter 4 degrees south of Moon.

* Tue., Nov. 24, 4:39 p.m. EST - First Quarter Moon.

2009 December
National Hand Washing Awareness Month

WINTER BEGINS: Dec. 21

* Geminid Meteor Shower:
Dec. 14
* Ursid Meteor Shower:
Dec. 22

Moon Phases:
Today *** Calendar Month
Next 27.322 Days
(Orbital Period)

Planets, Stars, Sky Events:
Today *** This Week
Planets *** Occultations
Constellations *** Star Chart
View ISS (Space Station)

Astronomical Glossary
of terms used

* Tue., Dec. 1, 9:00 a.m. EST - Moon 0.03 degree south of Pleiades Star Cluster (M45).

* Wed., Dec. 2, 2:30 a.m. EST - Full Moon: Cold Moon or Long-Nights Moon.

* Thur., Dec. 3, 3:00 p.m. EST - Moon 0.8 degree north of the M35 Open Star Cluster in the Constellation Gemini the Twins.

* Fri., Dec. 4, 9:00 a.m. EST - Moon at perigee: 363,479 kilometers.

* Sat., Dec. 5 - International Volunteer Day (IVD) (Dec. 5)

* Dec. 6 to 12 - National Handwashing Awareness Week (First full week of December)

* Sun., Dec. 6 - Feast of Saint Nicholas (Dec. 6)

* Sun., Dec. 6, 10:00 p.m. EST - Mars 5 degrees north of Moon.

* Mon., Dec. 7 - 1941: Pearl Harbor Day (Dec. 7)

* Tue., Dec. 8, 7:13 p.m. EST - Last Quarter Moon.

* Thur., Dec. 10, 6:00 a.m. EST - Saturn 8 degrees north of Moon.

* Sun., Dec. 11, Sunset (Pittsburgh: 4:54 p.m. EST) to Dec. 29 - Chanukah (Jewish festival of rededication, also known as the Festival of Lights.)

* Sun., Dec. 13 - Feast of Saint Lucy celebrated on the longest night of the year of the Juilian Calendar (prior to Gregorian calendar reform).

* 2009 Dec. 14 to 2010 Jan. 5 - CITIZEN SCIENCE:
Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count

* Mon. Dec. 14 - Beginning of two-week period, centering on the Winter Solstice: Halcyon Days of December, when it is believed the seas would be calm and winds light.

* Mon., Dec. 14, 12:00 Midnight EST - Peak of Geminid Meteor Shower.

* Wed., Dec. 16, 7:02 a.m. EST - New Moon: Lunation 1076.

* Thur., Dec. 17 - Beginning of ancient, week-long Roman festival of Saturnalia, which marked the end of the Autumn harvest and beginning of Winter planting; known for gift giving and feasting.

* Thur., Dec. 17 - Free Shipping Day by Internet merchants for delivery of Christmas gifts by Christmas Eve (December 17).

* Thur., Dec. 17, Sunset (Pittsburgh: 4:56 p.m. EST) - Islamic New Year ( Muharram): A.H. 1431 - Based on lunar calendar, but the New Moon must be observable.

* Thur., Dec. 18, 3:00 a.m. EST - Mercury 1.4 degrees south of Moon.

* Sun., Dec. 20, 12:00 Midnight EST - Jupiter 0.6 degree south of Neptune.

* Sun., Dec. 20, 10:00 a.m. EST - Moon at apogee: 405,731 kilometers.

* Sun., Dec. 20, 8:34 p.m. EST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope.

* Mon., Dec. 21, 10:00 a.m. EST - Jupiter 4 degrees south of Moon.

* Mon., Dec. 21, 12:47 p.m. EST - Winter Solstice: beginning of Winter season in Earth's Northern Hemisphere.

* Tue., Dec. 22, 9:00 a.m. EST - Peak of the Ursid Meteor Shower

* Thur., Dec. 24 - Eve of Christmas Day (Traditional)

* Thur., Dec. 24, 4:59 a.m. EST - 1968: First manned space flight to enter orbit of another planetary body (Earth's Moon): Apollo 8

* Thur., Dec. 24, 12:36 p.m. EST - First Quarter Moon.

* Thur., Dec. 24, 1:00 p.m. EST - Dwarf Planet Pluto in conjunction with the Sun (even with telescope, Pluto not visible at this time).

* Fri., Dec. 25 - Christmas Day (Traditional) or Feast of the Nativity

* Fri., Dec. 25 - Winter Solstice according to ancient calendars.

* 2009 Dec. 25 to 2010 Jan. 5 - First day of the 12 days of Christmas

* Sat., 2008 Dec. 26 - 2009 Jan. 1 - Kwanzaa (Week-long holiday observance honoring African-American heritage.)

* Sat., Dec. 26 - Boxing Day or the Feast of St. Stephen (celebrated in Canada)

* Mon., Dec. 28, 8:00 p.m. EST - Moon 0.03 degree north of Pleiades Star Cluster (M45).

* Thur., Dec. 31 - Eve of New Year's Day (Traditional)

* Thur., Dec. 31, 1:00 a.m. EST - Moon 0.8 degree north of the M35 Open Star Cluster in the Constellation Gemini the Twins.

* Thur., Dec. 31, 2:13 p.m. EST - Full Moon: "Blue Moon" (using the definition of two full moons in one calendar month; one of several definitions of "Blue Moon").

* Thur., Dec. 31, 2:23:45.9 p.m. EST - Greatest eclipse of this minor Partial Eclipse of the Moon, occurring in the Constellation Gemini the Twins - Not visible in most of the Western Hemisphere except Alaska, northern Canada, and extreme eastern Brazil; visible in most other parts of the world.

* Fri., 2010 Jan. 1, 12:00:00 Midnight (00:00:00) Prevailing Time - New Year's Day: Year A.D. 2010 begins.