* Sat., Jan. 1, 12:00:00 Midnight - New Year's Day: Year A.D. 2011 begins (January 1).

* Sat., Jan. 1 - Eighth day of the 12 days of Christmas (Dec. 25 to Jan. 5).

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

* Sun., Jan. 2, 8:00 a.m. EST - Jupiter 0.6 degree south of Uranus.

* Sun., Jan. 2, 10:00 a.m. EST - Mercury 4 degrees north of the Moon.

* Mon., Jan. 3, 2:00 p.m. EST - Earth at perihelion (closest approach to the Sun in new year): 147,105,721 kilometers.

* Mon., Jan. 3, 2:11 p.m. EST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope after sunset or before sunrise.

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

* Tue., Jan. 4, 3:50:35 a.m. EST - Greatest eclipse time for Partial Eclipse of the Sun visible in much of Europe, North Africa, and Central Asia.
SAFE WAY TO VIEW A SOLAR ECLIPSE.

* Tue., Jan. 4, 4:03 a.m. EST - Moon Phase: New Moon - Lunation 1089.

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

* Thur., 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.

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

* Sun., Jan. 9, 10:50 p.m. EST - Double-satellite (2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope after sunset or before sunrise.

* Mon., Jan. 10, 1:00 a.m. EST - Moon at apogee: 404,977 kilometers.

* Mon., Jan. 10, 12:00 Noon EST - Jupiter 7 degrees south of Moon.

* Mon., Jan. 10, 4:07 p.m. EST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope after sunset or before sunrise.

* Wed., Jan. 12, 6:31 a.m. EST - Moon Phase: First Quarter.

* Fri., Jan. 14, 3:00 a.m. EST - Moon 1.9 degrees north of Lagoon Nebula (M8).

* Sat., 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)

* Sat., Jan. 15, 8:00 a.m. EST - Moon 1.3 degrees south of Pleiades Star Cluster (M45).

* Sat., Jan. 15, 4:00 p.m. EST - Venus 8 degrees north of Star Antares.

* Mon., Jan. 17 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Observed - USA: Third Monday in January): Birth of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929 Jan. 15)

* Mon., Jan. 17, 4:52 p.m. EST - Double-satellite (2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope after sunset or before sunrise.

* Mon., Jan. 17, 6:00 p.m. p.m. EST - Moon 0.9 degree south of open star cluster M35 in the Constellation Gemini the Twins.

* Mon., Jan. 17, 7:43 p.m. p.m. EST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope after sunset or before sunrise.

* Wed., Jan. 19, 4:21 p.m. p.m. EST - Moon Phase: Full Moon (Wolf Moon).

* Fri., Jan. 21, 7:00 p.m. EST - Moon at perigee: 362,792 kilometers.

* Mon., Jan. 24, 7:05 p.m. EST - Double-satellite (2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope after sunset or before sunrise.

* Tue., Jan. 25, 5:00 a.m. EST - Saturn 8 degrees north of the Moon.

* Wed., Jan. 26, 7:57 a.m. p.m. EST - Moon Phase: Last Quarter.

* Tue., Jan. 27 - 1967 - Anniversary of Apollo 1 fire; three astronauts perished.

* Fri., Jan. 28 - 1986 - Anniversary of STS Space Shuttle Challenger explosion; seven astronauts perished.
Viewed at Pittsburgh's Buhl Planetarium.

* Fri., Jan. 28 - Data Privacy Day.

* Sat., Jan. 29, 11:00 p.m. EST - Venus 3 degrees north of the Moon.

* Mon., Jan. 31 - 1958 - Anniversary of the first successful launch, by the USA, of an artificial satellite: Explorer 1

* Mon., Jan. 31 - Mercury at aphelion.

* Tue., Feb. 1, 1:00 p.m. EST - Mercury 4 degrees south of Moon.

* Wed., Feb. 2 - Traditional Astronomical Cross-Quarter Day Candlemas, better known as Groundhog Day. First traditional Astronomical Cross-Quarter Day of year; approximate mid-way point in Winter season.
Actual cross-quarter day.
(Groundhog Day at Gobler's Knob, Punxsutawney PA 15767, home of Punxsutawney Phil: - Sunrise: 7:26 a.m. EST).

* Wed., Feb. 2, 9:31 p.m. EST - Moon Phase: New Moon - Lunation no. 1090.

* Thur., Feb. 3 - Chinese New Year, based on a lunisolar calendar of which dates indicate both the moon phase and the time of the solar year. This marks the beginning of the Chinese Year of the Rabbit.

* Thur., Feb. 3, 11:20 p.m. EST - Actual Astronomical Cross-Quarter Day Candlemas (First actual Astronomical Cross-Quarter Day of year; mid-way point in Winter season.); traditional cross-quarter day.

* Fri., Feb. 4 - National Wear Red Day - Go Red for Women movement to heart disease in women (American Heart Association)

* Fri., 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).

* Fri., Feb. 4, 11:00 a.m. EST - Mars in conjunction with the Sun (Mars not visible).

* Fri., Feb. 4, 11:00 p.m. EST - Venus 3 degrees north of the Lagoon Nebula (M8).

* Sat., Feb. 5 - Save Our Libraries Day.

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

* Sun., Feb. 6, 6:00 p.m. EST - Moon at apogee: 405,924 kilometers.

* Mon., Feb. 7, 5:00 a.m. EST - Jupiter 7 degrees south of the Moon.

* Fri., Feb. 11 - 1732: Birthday of first American President, George Washington, 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.
See also: Washington's Birthday Observed/Presidents' Day * Washington's Birthday Actual (Julian Calendar) * Washington's Birthday Actual (Gregorian Calendar) * Lincoln's Birthday.

* Fri., Feb. 11, 2:18 a.m. EST - Moon Phase: First Quarter.

* Fri., Feb. 11, 5:00 p.m. EST - Moon 1.4 degrees south of Pleiades Star Cluster (M45).

* Sat., Feb. 12 - 1809: Birthday of 16th American President, Abraham Lincoln (1809) (Annual - February 12).
See also: Washington's Birthday Observed/Presidents' Day * Washington's Birthday Actual (Julian Calendar) * Washington's Birthday Actual (Gregorian Calendar) * Lincoln's Birthday.

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

* Mon., Feb. 14 - St. Valentine's Day (Annual - February 14).

* Mon., Feb. 14, 5:00 a.m. EST - Moon 1.0 degree south of M35 Open Star Cluster in the constellation Gemini the Twins.

* Thur., Feb. 17, 5:00 a.m. EST - Neptune in conjunction with the Sun (Neptune not visible, even with a telescope).

* Fri. through Mon., Feb. 18, 19, 20, 21, - CITIZEN SCIENCE: The Great Backyard Bird Count weekend

* Fri., Feb. 18, 3:36 a.m. EST - Moon Phase: Full Moon (Snow Moon).

* Sat., Feb. 19, 2:00 a.m. EST - Moon at perigee: 358,247 kilometers.
Large Tides Predicted.

* Feb. 20 to 26 - National Engineers Week.

* Sun., Feb. 20 - Zodiacal Light visible with difficulty, after evening twilight in the western sky of the Northern Hemisphere, for the next two weeks.

* Feb. 21 to March 6, 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. Prevailing Time - CITIZEN SCIENCE - Annual Globe at Night campaign, to raise public awareness of the impact of light pollution by encouraging everyone everywhere to measure local levels of night sky brightness and contribute observations on-line to a world map.

* Mon. Feb. 21 - Washington's Birthday Observed/Presidents' Day - (Annual - USA Federal Holiday: Third Monday in February).
See also: Washington's Birthday Observed/Presidents' Day * Washington's Birthday Actual (Julian Calendar) * Washington's Birthday Actual (Gregorian Calendar) * Lincoln's Birthday.

* Mon., Feb. 21, 12:00 Noon EST - Saturn 8 degrees north of the Moon.

* Mon., Feb. 21, 12:00 Noon EST - Saturn 8 degrees north of the Moon.

* Tue., Feb. 22 - 1732: Birthday of first American President, George Washington, 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.
See also: Washington's Birthday Observed/Presidents' Day * Washington's Birthday Actual (Julian Calendar) * Washington's Birthday Actual (Gregorian Calendar) * Lincoln's Birthday.

* Thur., Feb. 24 - Engineering Day.

* Thur., Feb. 24, 6:26 p.m. EST - Moon Phase: Last Quarter.

* Fri., Feb. 25, 4:00 a.m. EST - Mercury in superior conjunction with the Sun (Mercury not visible).

* Sun., Feb. 27, 7:00 p.m. EST - Asteroid Vesta 0.9 degree north of the Moon; occultation: Antarctica, South Pacific Ocean.

* Mon., Feb. 28, 11:00 p.m. EST - Venus 1.6 degrees south of the Moon.

* Feb. 28 to March 4 - Severe Weather Awareness Week (Pennsylvania).

* Tue., March 1 - Beginning of Meteorological Spring Season in Northern Hemisphere.

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

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

* Wed. 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.)

* Fri., 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)

* Fri., March 4, 3:46 p.m. EST - Moon Phase: New Moon - Lunation 1091.

* March 6 to 12 - National Consumer Protection Week.

* Sun., March 6, 3:00 a.m. EST - Moon at apogee: 406,583 kilometers.

* Mon., March 7, 12:00 Midnight EST - Jupiter 7 degrees south of the Moon.

* March 7 to 13 - National Sleep Awareness Week® (last day of week coincides, each year, with conversion to Daylight Saving Time).

* Tue., March 8 - International Women's Day (Annual: March 8).

* Tue., March 8 - Shrove Tuesday/Fat Tuesday (Day before Ash Wednesday).

* Wed., March 9 - Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent (46 days before Easter Sunday).

* Wed., March 9 - Mars at perihelion.

* Fri., March 11, 12:00 Midnight EST - Moon 1.7 degrees south of Pleiades Open Star Cluster ("The Seven Sisters" - M45) in the Constellation Taurus the Bull.

* Sat., March 12, 5:00 a.m. EST - Asteroid Juno at opposition.

* Sat., March 12, 6:45 p.m. EST - Moon Phase: First Quarter.

* March 13 to 19 - Wildfire Prevention Week (Pennsylvania: Spring, Autumn).

* Sun., March 13, 2:00 a.m. Prevailing Time (U.S.A.) - DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS - Beginning in 2007, EARLY DUE TO NEW FEDERAL LAW (Second Sunday in March, 2:00 a.m. Prevailing Time).

* Sun., March 13, 3:00 p.m. EDST - Moon 1.2 degrees south of Open Star Cluster M35 in the Constellation Gemini the Twins.

* March 14 to 18 - Flood Safety Awareness Week.

* March 14 to 20 - Fix-a-Leak Week (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)

* Mon., March 14 - Pi Day a holiday commemorating the mathematical constant π (pi) (Annual: March 14: 3.14).

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

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

* Wed., March 16 - Freedom of Information Day , the birthday of James Madison, who is widely regarded as the Father of the Constitution and as the foremost advocate for openness in government.

* Wed., March 16 - Mercury at perihelion.

* Wed., March 16, 1:00 p.m. EDST - Mercury 2 degrees north of Jupiter.

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

* Thur., March 17 - Jupiter at perihelion.

* Sat., March 19 - Sun-Earth Day (NASA: Day of, or near, the Vernal Equinox, the first day of Spring).

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

* Sat., March 19, 2:10 p.m. EDST - Moon Phase: Full Moon (Worm Moon):
Largest Full Moon in 2011.

* Sat., March 19, 3:00 p.m. EDST - Moon at perigee: 356,575 kilometers.
Large Tides Predicted.

* March 20 to 26 - Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week (Ohio).

* Sun., March 20, 7:21 p.m. EDST - Vernal Equinox - Spring Season begins in Northern Hemisphere of Earth: beginning of New Year (solar calendar) in Afghanistan and Iran.

* Sun., March 20, 8:00 p.m. EDST - Saturn 8 degrees north of the Moon.

* Mon., March 21 - Zodiacal Light visible, with difficulty, after evening twilight in the western sky of the Northern Hemisphere, for the next two weeks.

* Mon., March 21, 8:00 a.m. EDST - Uranus in conjunction with the Sun (Uranus not visible, even with a telescope).

* Tue., March 22 - World Water Day

* Wed., March 23, 9:50 a.m. EDST - Ohio Statewide Tornado Drill

* March 26 to April 10 - Annual National Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington DC.

* March 26 to May 1 - National Kite Month.

* Sat., March 26, 8:07 a.m. EDST - Moon Phase: Last Quarter.

* Sat., March 26, 8:00 p.m. EDST - Venus 0.1 degree south of Neptune.

* Sat., March 26, 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Prevailing Time - Earth Hour annual environmental observance (Last Saturday in March, 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Prevailing Time).

* Mon., March 28, 3:00 a.m. EDST - Asteroid Vesta 1.2 degrees south of the Moon; occultation: Iceland.

* Thur., March 31 - Last day of calendar year First Quarter.

* Thur., March 31, 9:00 a.m. EDST - Venus 6 degrees south of the Moon.

* March 26 to May 1 - National Kite Month.

* April 1 to 2 - Light It Up Blue, in North America, is dedicated to raising awareness of autism.
* Sat., April 2 - World Autism Awareness Day.

* April 1 to 8 - International Dark-Sky Week (Week of the New Moon in April).

* Fri., April 1 - First day of calendar year Second Quarter.

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

* Fri., April 1 - 1954: First broadcast of educational television station WQED-TV 13 in Pittsburgh, the nation's first community-supported television station.

* Sat., April 2, 5:00 a.m. EDST - Moon at apogee: 406,656 kilometers.

* April 3 to 9 - National Week of the Ocean.

* Sun., April 3, 10:32 a.m. EDST - Moon Phase - New Moon: Lunation 1092.

* Sun., April 3, 8:00 p.m. EDST - Saturn at opposition (Saturn visible all night long, weather-permitting).

* April 4 to 10 - National Public Health Week.

* Wed., April 6 - National Start! Walking Day.

* Wed., April 6, 11:00 a.m. EDST - Jupiter in conjunction with the Sun (Jupiter not visible).

* Thur., April 7, 7:00 a.m. EDST - Moon 1.9 degrees south of Pleiades Star Cluster (M45).

* April 9 to 17 - National Robotics Week.

* Sat., April 9, 4:00 p.m. EDST - Mercury at inferior conjunction with the Sun (Mercury not visible, even with a telescope).

* Sat., April 9, 9:00 p.m. EDST - Moon 1.5 degrees south of open star cluster M35 in the Constellation Gemini the Twins.

* April 10 to 16 - National Volunteer Week.

* April 10 to 16 - National Library Week.

* April 10 to 16 - National Environmental Education Week (EE Week: Week before Earth Day).

* Mon., April 11, 8:05 a.m. EDST - Moon Phase - First Quarter.

* Tue., April 12 - 50th Anniversary - 1961: Russia launches first human into space and orbit of the Earth, Yuri Gagarin (April 12).

* Tue., April 12 - 30th Anniversary - 1981: First launch of American Space Shuttle (STS), Columbia (April 12).

* Tue., April 12 - 150th Anniversary - 1861: The American Civil War began. See the Civil War Museum of the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall in Carnegie, Pennsylvania.

* Tue., April 12 - National Library Workers Day (Tuesday of National Library Week).

* Wed., April 13 - National Bookmobile Day (Wednesday of National Library Week).

* Thur., April 14 - Support Teen Literature Day (Thursday of National Library Week).

* Sun., April 17 - Palm Sunday.

* Sun., April 17, 2:00 a.m. EDST - Moon at perigee: 358,090 kilometers.
Large tides predicted.

* Sun., April 17, 2:00 a.m. EDST - Saturn 8 degrees north of the Moon.

* Sun., April 17, 10:44 p.m. EDST - Moon Phase - Full Moon (Pink Moon).

* Mon., April 18 - Tax Day (USA) - Individual Federal tax returns due or postmarked by end of day (Each April 15, unless delayed by a holiday).

* Mon., April 18 - Patriots' Day (Third Monday in April).

* Mon., April 18 - Venus at aphelion.

* Mon., April 18, Sunset Prevailing Time (Pittsburgh - Sunset: 8:02 p.m. EDST) to April 25 - Passover of the Jewish faith.

* Tue., April 19, 4:00 a.m. EDST - 0.8 degree north of Mars.

* Wed., April 20 - World Night in Defence of the Starlight.

* Thur., April 21 - Holy Thursday - Traditional (most Christian denominations except Orthodox demoninations) and Orthodox.

* Fri., April 22 - Good Friday - Traditional (most Christian denominations except Orthodox demoninations) and Orthodox.

* Fri., April 22 - Earth Day (April 22).

* Fri., April 22, 2:00 p.m. EDST - Venus 0.9 degree south of Uranus.

* Fri., April 22, 7:00 p.m. EDST - Peak of Lyrid Meteor Shower

* Sat., April 23 - Holy Saturday - Traditional (most Christian denominations except Orthodox demoninations) and Orthodox.

* April 23 to 30 - National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW).

* April 24 to 30 - Preservation Week for library and archive materials.

* April 24 to 30 - Administrative Professionals Week.

* Sun., April 24 - Easter Sunday - Traditional (most Christian denominations except Orthodox demoninations) and Orthodox. Traditional date of Easter determined by the Gregorian Calendar; Orthodox date of Easter determined by the Julian Calendar. (Sunrise in Pittsburgh: 6:29 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 24, 10:47 p.m. EDST - Moon Phase - Last Quarter.

* Mon., April 25 - Easter Monday.

* Wed., April 27 - Administrative Professionals Day (Wednesday of last week of April).

* Thur., April 28 - National Take Our Daughters and Sons To Work Day (Fourth Thursday in April).

* Fri., April 29 - Arbor Day - National Arbor Day Foundation (last Friday of April).

* Fri., April 29 - Save the Frogs Day - Also see news article.

* Fri., April 29 - Mercury at aphelion.

* Fri., April 29, 2:00 p.m. EDST - Moon at apogee: 406,039 kilometers.

* Sat., April 30 - National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

* Sat., April 30, 7:00 p.m. EDST - Venus 7 degrees south of the Moon.

* May 1 to 7 - Choose Privacy Week.

* Sun., 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 (May 1).

* Sun., May 1 - Law Day (May 1).

* Sun., May 1, 3:00 a.m. EDST - Mercury 8 degrees south of the Moon.

* Sun., May 1, 7:00 a.m. EDST - Mars 0.4 degree north of Jupiter.

* Sun., May 1, 3:00 p.m. EDST - Jupiter 6 degrees south of the Moon.

* Sun., May 1, 4:00 p.m. EDST - Mars 6 degrees south of the Moon.

* May 2 to 8 - International Astronomy Week.

* May 2 to 8 - Children's Book Week (Moved from 2007 Nov. 12 to 18).

* May 2 to 8 - Arson Awareness Week.

* Tue., May 3 - National Teacher Day.

* Tue., May 3, 2:51 a.m. EDST - Moon Phase - New Moon: Lunation 1093.

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

* Thur., May 5, 4:20 p.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.

* May 6 to 12 - National Nurses Week (May 6 to 12).

* Fri., May 6 - National Nurses Day/National RN Recognition Day (May 6).

* Fri., May 6, 8:00 a.m. EDST - Peak of n-Aquarid (Eta Aquarid) Meteor Shower - remnants from Halley's Comet.

* Fri., May 6 - Space Day (First Friday in May).

* Sat., May 7 - International Astronomy Day (Saturday in Astronomy Week).

* Sat., May 7 - National Train Day.

* Sat., May 7, 3:00 a.m. EDST - Moon 1.7 degrees south of open star cluster M35 in the Constellation Gemini the Twins.

* Sat., May 7, 11:00 p.m. EDST - Mercury and Venus with 1.4 degrees separation.

* May 8 to 14 - Food Allergy Awareness Week (FAAW).

* Sun., May 8 - Mothers' Day (Second Sunday in May).

* Sun., May 8 - National Student Nurses Day (May 8).

* May 9 to 15 - National Police Week (Week including May 15).

* Tue., May 10, 4:33 p.m. EDST - Moon Phase - First Quarter.

* Tue., May 10, 6:00 p.m. EDST - Mercury 2 degrees south of the Moon.

* Wed., May 11 - National School Nurse Day (Wednesday Of National Nurses Week).

* Wed., May 11, 5:00 a.m. EDST - Venus 0.6 degree south of Jupiter.

* Thur., May 12 - International Nurses Day, the birth date of pioneering nurse Florence Nightingale, and the end of the annual Nurses Week (May 12).

* Thur., May 12 - National Lab Day (May 12).

* Fri., May 13 - 400th Anniversary - 1611: “Galileo Confirmation Day,” the day Jesuit priests held a banquet in honor of Galileo Galilei, for his discovery of four moons orbiting the planet Jupiter.

* Fri., May 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).

* May 14 to 22 - Armed Forces Week (USA) - (Second Saturday to Sunday of following week in May).

* Sat., May 14 - International Migratory Bird Day (Second Saturday in May).

* Sat., May 14, 11:00 a.m. EDST - Saturn 8 degrees north of the Moon.

* Sat., May 14, 2:41 p.m. EDST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope after sunset or before sunrise.

* May 15 to 21 - Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week.

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

* Sun., May 15, 7:00 a.m. EDST - Moon at perigee: 362,135 kilometers.

* Tue., May 17, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EDST - Primary Election Day: Pennsylvania (Third Tuesday in May except during Presidential Election Years when it is held on the Fourth Tuesday in April).

* Tue., May 17, 7:09 a.m. EDST - Moon Phase - Full Moon (Flower Moon).

* Wed., May 18 - International Museum Day.

* Wed., May 18 - Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Day.

* Wed., May 18, 3:39 a.m. EDST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope after sunset or before sunrise.

* Wed., May 18, 4:00 a.m. EDST - Mercury and Venus with 1.4 degrees separation.

* Thur., May 19, 9:00 p.m. EDST - Mercury 2 degrees south of Mars.

* Fri., May 20 - Bike-to-Work Day (Third Friday in May)

* May 21 to 27 - National Safe Boating Week.

* Sat., May 21 - Armed Forces Day (USA) - (Third Saturday in May).

* Sat., May 21, 4:36 p.m. EDST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope after sunset or before sunrise.

* Sun., May 22, 11:00 a.m. EDST - Venus 1.1 degrees south of Mars.

* Tue., May 24, 2:42 p.m. EDST - Moon Phase - Last Quarter.

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

* Wed., May 25, 5:33 a.m. EDST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope after sunset or before sunrise.

* Fri., May 27, 6:00 a.m. EDST - Moon at apogee: 404,003 kilometers.

* Sat., May 28, 6:30 p.m. EDST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope after sunset or before sunrise.

* Sun., May 29, 11:00 a.m. EDST - Jupiter 6 degrees south of the Moon.

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

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

* Mon., May 30, 4:00 p.m. EDST - Mars 4 degrees south of the Moon.

* Tue., May 31, 12:00 Midnight EDST - Venus 4 degrees south of the Moon.

* Wed., June 1 - Beginning of Meteorological Season of Summer in Northern Hemisphere, Meteorological Season of Winter in Southern Hemisphere (June 1).

* Wed., June 1 - Beginning of Hurricane Season in the Atlantic Ocean (June 1).

* Wed., June 1 - International Children's Day (June 1).

* Wed., June 1, 7:27 a.m. EDST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope after sunset or before sunrise.

* Wed., June 1, 5:03 p.m. EDST - Moon Phase - New Moon: Lunation 1094.

* Wed., June 1, 5:16.11 p.m. EDST - Partial Eclipse of the Sun. Time of greatest solar eclipse with eclipse magnitude of 0.601 visible from the Arctic coast of western Siberia, for this "solar eclipse of the midnight sun."
Link 1 *** Link 2.

* Thur., June 2, 3:00 a.m. EDST - Mercury 5 degrees south of Pleiades Open Star Cluster (M45).

* Fri., June 3, 1:55 a.m. EDST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope after sunset or before sunrise.

* Fri., June 3, 9:00 a.m. EDST - Moon 1.7 degrees south of open star cluster M35 in the Constellation Gemini the Twins.

* Sat., June 4 - National Trails Day®

* Sat., June 4, 8:24 p.m. EDST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope after sunset or before sunrise.

* Sun., June 5 - United Nations World Environment Day - ( For 2010 United Nations World Environment Day Host City for North America: Pittsburgh) (June 5).

* Tue., June 7 - Peak of Arietid Meteor Shower

* Wed., June 8, 9:30 a.m. EDST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope after sunset or before sunrise.

* Wed., June 8, 12:00 Noon EDST - Venus 5 degrees south of Pleiades Open Star Cluster (M45).

* Wed., June 8, 9:11 p.m. EDST - Moon Phase - First Quarter.

* Fri., June 10, 5:26 a.m. EDST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope after sunset or before sunrise.

* Fri., June 10, 5:00 p.m. EDST - Saturn 8 degrees north of the Moon.

* Sat., June 11, 10:00 p.m. EDST - Moon at perigee: 367,189 kilometers.

* Sat., June 11, 10:48 p.m. EDST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope after sunset or before sunrise.

* Sun., June 12 - National Children's Day (Second Sunday in June).

* Sun., June 12 - Mercury at perihelion.

* Sun., June 12, 8:00 p.m. EDST - Mercury in superior conjunction.

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

* Wed., June 15, 12:08 p.m. EDST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope after sunset or before sunrise.

* Wed., June 15, 4:12.35.8 p.m. EDST - Total Eclipse of the Moon. Time of greatest lunar eclipse with umbral magnitude of 1.6998 visible primarily from the Eastern Hemisphere and partly from South America.

* Wed., June 15, 4:14 p.m. EDST - Moon Phase - Full Moon: Strawberry Moon.

* Thur., June 16 - "Dump the Pump" Day (Third Thursday in June), sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association and local public transit agencies nationwide, including the Port Authority of Allegheny County.

* Sat., June 18 - Autistic Pride Day about shifting views of autism from "disease" to "difference" (June 18).

* Sat., June 18, 3:00 a.m. EDST - Venus 5 degrees north of Star Aldebaran, in the Constellation Taurus the Bull.

* June 19 to 25 - National Lightning Safety Awareness Week; see article.

* Sun., June 19 - Fathers' Day (Third Sunday in June): Link 1 *** Link 2.

* Sun., June 19, 1:26 a.m. EDST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope after sunset or before sunrise.

* Sun., June. 19, 4:00 p.m. EDST - Mars 4 degrees south of Pleiades Open Star Cluster (M45).

* June 20 to 26 - National Pollinator Week.

* Tue., June 21, 1:16 p.m. EDST - Summer Solstice; Season of Summer begins in Earth's Northern Hemisphere (Also see 1985-1991: Annual Free Day at Buhl Planetarium).

* Wed., June 22, 2:46 p.m. EDST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope after sunset or before sunrise.

* Wed., June 23, 7:48 a.m. EDST - Moon Phase - Last Quarter.

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

* Fri., June 24, 12:00 Midnight EDST - Moon at apogee: 404,271 kilometers.

* June 25 & 26 - Annual Amateur Radio Field Day, when ham radio operators test emergency radio operations (Always The Fourth Full Weekend In June).

* Sun., June 26, 4:04 a.m. EDST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope after sunset or before sunrise.

* Sun., June 26, 5:00 a.m. EDST - Jupiter 5 degrees south of the Moon.

* Tue., June 28 - Tau Day - Day celebrating the value of 2Pi (~6.28), designated Tau, the ratio of a circle's circumference to its radius.

* Tue., June 28, 2:00 a.m. EDST - Dwarf Planet Pluto at opposition.

* Tue., June 28, 3:00 a.m. EDST - Moon 2.0 degrees south of the Pleiades Open Star Cluster ("The Seven Sisters" - M45) in the Constellation Taurus the Bull.

* Tue., June 28, 3:00 p.m. EDST - Mars 1.7 degrees south of the Moon.

* Tue., June 28, 6:00 p.m. EDST - Mercury 5 degrees south of Star Pollux, of Constellation Gemini the Twins.

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

* Thur., June 30 - Last day of calendar year Second Quarter (June 30).

* Fri., July 1 - First day of Fiscal Year (Pennsylvania: July 1).

* Fri., July 1 - First day of calendar year Third Quarter (July 1).

* Fri., July 1, 4:38:22.7 a.m. EDST - Greatest eclipse for Partial Eclipse of the Sun: observable in small area of Antarctic Ocean, south of Africa. SPECIAL NOTE: This eclipse marks the first solar eclipse in Saros series number 156, which runs from the year 2011 to the year 3237 (first new Saros cycle in 83 years). The Saros eclipse cycle governs the periodicity and recurrence of solar eclipses, a period of approximately 18 years, 11 days, 8 hours.

* Fri., July 1, 4:54 a.m. EDST - Moon Phase - New Moon: Lunation 1095.

* Sat., July 2, 10:00 p.m. EDST - Mercury 5 degrees north of the Moon.

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

* Mon., July 4 - Independence Day, traditionally celebrated with fireworks: U.S.A., 1776 July 4.

* Mon., July 4, 11:00 a.m. EDST - Earth at aphelion (fartherest distance from the Sun for the year): 152,102,140 kilometers.

* Wed., July 6, 2:00 a.m. EDST - Mars 5 degrees north of Star Aldebaran, in the Constellation Taurus the Bull.

* Wed., July 6, 5:00 p.m. EDST - Mercury 0.3 degree south of Beehive Open Cluster of Stars in the Constellation Cancer the Crab.

* Thur., July 7, 10:00 a.m. EDST - Moon at perigee: 369,570 kilometers.

* Fri., July 8, 12:00 Midnight EDST - Saturn 8 degrees north of the Moon.

* Fri., July 8, 2:29 a.m. EDST - Moon Phase - First Quarter.

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

* Tue., July 12, 6:27 p.m. EDST - SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY - Neptune completes one orbit (Neptune's Sidereal Year) around the Sun (orbital period of ~165 Earth years), since the planet's discovery 1846 September 23/24.

* Fri., July 15, 2:40 a.m. EDST - Moon Phase: Full Moon (Buck Moon).

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

* Wed., July 20, 10:56:20 p.m. EDST - In 1969, the first human (Neil Armstrong) to set foot on the Earth's Moon.

* Thur., July 21, 7:00 p.m. EDST - Moon at apogee: 404,355 kilometer.

* Fri., July 22 - Pi Approximation Day, a holiday commemorating the mathematical constant π (pi) (Annual: July 22: 22/7).

* Sat., July 23, 1:02 a.m. EDST - Moon Phase - Last Quarter.

* Sat., July 23, 9:00 p.m. EDST - Jupiter 5 degrees south of the Moon.

* Tue., July 26 - Mercury at aphelion.

* Wed., July 27, 1:00 p.m. EDST - Mars 0.5 degree north of the Moon; occultation: Samoa, Kiribati, French Polynesia, southern half of South America except southernmost tip of the continent.

* Wed., July 28, 1:00 a.m. EDST - Moon 1.8 degrees south of Open Star Cluster M35 in the Constellation Gemini the Twins.

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

* Fri., July 29, 10:00 a.m. EDST - Asteroid Pallas at opposition.

* Fri., July 29, 11:00 a.m. EDST - Peak of S. Delta-Aquarid Meteor Shower

* Sat., July 30, 2:40 p.m. EDST - Moon Phase - New Moon: Lunation 1096.

* Sun., 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.

* July 31, Sunset to Aug. 30 - Ramadan, month of fasting in the Islamic lunar calendar; begins at sunset, based on the sighting of the New Moon (July 31 Sunset in Pittsburgh: 8:36 p.m. EDST).

* July 31, Sunset to Aug. 30 - Ramadan, month of fasting in the Islamic lunar calendar; begins at sunset, based on the sighting of the New Moon (July 31 Sunset in Pittsburgh: 8:36 p.m. EDST).

* Mon., Aug. 1 - Traditional Astronomical Cross-Quarter Day, also known as “Lammas” (in the United Kingdom) and “Lughnassad” (in Ireland). Considered approximate date of First Harvest (third traditional cross-quarter day of the year), approximately between the Midsummer Solstice and the Autumnal Equinox. Actual cross-quarter day.

* Mon., Aug. 1 - Civic Holiday in certain Canadian provinces (First Monday in August)

* Mon., Aug. 1, 7:00 a.m. EDST - Mercury 1.5 degrees north of the Moon.

* Tue., Aug. 2, 5:00 p.m. EDST - Moon at perigee: 365,761 kilometers.

* Tue., Aug. 2, evening - National Night Out

* Thur., Aug. 4, 8:00 a.m. EDST - Saturn 8 degrees north of the Moon.

* Fri., Aug. 5, 6:00 a.m. EDST - Asteroid at opposition (visible all night in good telescope).

* Sat., Aug. 6, 7:08 a.m. EDST - Moon Phase: First Quarter.

* Sun., 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" (~ Aug. 7).

* Sun., Aug. 7 - National Lighthouse Day (Aug. 7).

* Sun., Aug. 7 - Friendship Day (First Sunday in August).

* Sun., Aug. 7, 9:10 a.m. EDST - Actual Astronomical Cross-Quarter Day (halfway between the June Solstice and September Equinox); traditionally observed August 1 as “Lammas” (in the United Kingdom) and “Lughnassad” (in Ireland). Traditional cross-quarter day.

* Tue., Aug. 9 - Venus at periheliion.

* Mon., Aug. 12 - International Youth Day (August 12).

* Sat., Aug. 13, 2:00 a.m. EDST - Peak of Perseid Meteor Shower, considered one of the best of the year!

* Sat., Aug. 13, 2:57 p.m. EDST - Moon Phase: Full Moon - Sturgeon Moon.

* Tue., Aug. 16, 9:00 a.m. EDST - Venus in superior conjunction (Venus not visible).

* Tue., Aug. 16, 9:00 p.m. EDST - Mercury in inferior conjunction (Mercury not visible).

* Thur., Aug. 18, 12:00 Noon EDST - Moon at apogee: 405,161 kilometers.

* Sat., Aug. 20 - National Radio Day (August 20).

* Sat., Aug. 20, 8:00 a.m. EDST - Jupiter 5 degrees south of the Moon.

* Sun., Aug. 21, 5:54 p.m. EDST - Moon Phase: Last Quarter.

* Mon., Aug. 22, 7:00 p.m. EDST - Neptune at opposition (visible all night in telescope).

* Wed., Aug. 24, 11:00 a.m. EDST - Moon 1.9 degrees south of open star cluster M35 in the Constellation Gemini the Twins.

* Thur., Aug. 25, 10:00 a.m. EDST - Mars 3 degrees north of the Moon.

* Sat., Aug. 27, 9:00 p.m. EDST - Mercury 3 degrees north of the Moon.

* Sun., Aug. 28, 11:04 p.m. EDST - Moon Phase: New Moon - Lunation 1097.

* Tue., Aug. 30, 2:00 p.m. EDST - Moon at perigee: 360,858 kilometers.

* Wed., Aug. 31, 5:00 p.m. EDST - (1991) 20th anniversary of the closing of The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science as a public museum, which was dedicated as America's fifth major planetarium on 1939 October 24.

* Wed., Aug. 31, 7:00 p.m. EDST - Saturn 7 degrees north of the Moon.

* Wed., Aug. 31, Sunset - Eid ul-Fitr - Celebrated as day Muslims end fasting for Ramadan (Sunset in Pittsburgh: 7:55 p.m. EDST).

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

* Thur., Sept. 1 - Beginning of Meteorological Season of Autumn.

* Thur., Sept. 1 - Mid-point in Atlantic Ocean Hurricane Season.

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

* Thur., Sept. 1 - (1939) World War II began.

* Sat., Sept. 3 - International Vulture Awareness Day - Highlights an ecologically vital group of birds that face a range of threats, including possible extinction for certain species.

* Sun., Sept. 4, 1:39 p.m. EDT - Moon Phase: First Quarter.

* Mon., Sept. 5 - Labor Day (Federal Holiday: U.S.A. - First Monday in September)

* Thur., Sept. 8 - Mercury at perihelion.

* Thur., Sept. 8, 10:00 p.m. EDT - Mercury 0.7 degree north of Star Regulus.

* Fri., Sept. 9, 10:00 p.m. EDT - Mars 6 degrees south of Star Pollux in Constellation Gemini the Twins.

* Sat., Sept. 10 - Traditional peak in Atlantic Ocean Hurricane Season.

* Sun., Sept. 11 - Patriot Day - 10th Anniversary - In commemoration of the 9/11 attacks in New York, Washington, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania (September 11).

* Sun., Sept. 11 - Grandparents Day (First Sunday after Labor Day).

* Mon., Sept. 12 - Mid-Autumn Festival/Moon Festival - A popular harvest festival celebrated by Chinese and Vietnamese people, dating back over 3,000 years to Moon worship in China's Shang Dynasty. It is celebrated on the date close to the Autumnal Equinox of the Solar Calendar, as well as close to the Full Moon Phase.

* Mon., Sept. 12, 5:27 a.m. EDT - Moon Phase: Full Moon - Harvest Moon.

* Thur., Sept. 15, 2:00 a.m. EDT - Moon at apogee: 406,065 kilometers.

* Fri., Sept. 16, 1:00 p.m. EDT - Asteroid Ceres at opposition (Ceres visible all night with telescope).

* Fri., Sept. 16, 2:00 p.m. EDT - Jupiter 5 degrees south of the Moon.

* Sat., 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).

* Sat., Sept. 17 - Software Freedom Day (Third Saturday in September).

* Sun., Sept. 18 - (1947) Formation of the United States Air Force, as part of the National Security Act of 1947, which also included formation of the Department of Defense (DOD), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), National Security Council, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

* Tue., Sept. 20, 9:39 a.m. EDT - Moon Phase: Last Quarter.

* Wed., Sept. 21 - World Gratitude Day (September 21).

* Fri., Sept. 23, 4:00 a.m. EDT - Mars 5 degrees north of the Moon.

* Fri., Sept. 23, 5:05 a.m. EDT - Autumnal Equinox; beginning of Season of Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.

* Sept. 24 to Oct. 1 - Banned Books Week (BBW) - An annual event celebrating the freedom to read and the importance of the First Amendment.

* Sun., Sept. 25 - Zodiacal Light dimly visible in northern lattitudes in eastern sky, before morning twilight, for next two weeks.

* Sun., Sept. 25 - National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims (Sept. 25).

* Sun., Sept. 25, 8:00 p.m. EDT - Uranus at opposition (Uranus visible all night in telescope).

* Tue., Sept. 27, 7:09 a.m. EDT - Moon Phase: New Moon - Lunation 1098.

* Tue., Sept. 27, 9:00 p.m. EDT - Moon at perigee: 357,557 kilometers -
Large Tides Predicted.

* Wed., Sept. 28, 6:00 a.m. EDT - Venus 6 degrees north of the Moon.

* Wed., Sept. 28, 10:00 a.m. EDT - Saturn 7 degrees north of the Moon.

* Wed., Sept. 28, 4:00 p.m. EDT - Mercury in superior conjunction (Mercury not visible).

* Wed., Sept. 28, Sunset - Rosh Hashanah - Jewish New Year (Sunset in Pittsburgh: 7:07 p.m. EDT).

* Thur., Sept. 29, 7:00 p.m. EDT - Venus and Saturn 1.3 degrees apart.

* Fri., Sept. 30 - Last day of U.S.A. Federal Fiscal Year (Sept. 30).

* Fri., Sept. 30 - Last day of calendar year Third Quarter (Sept. 30).

* Sat., May 7; Sat., Oct. 1 - International Astronomy Day [Saturdays in Spring (Saturday in Astronomy Week) and Autumn]: Link 1 *** Link 2

* Sat., Oct. 1 - First day of U.S.A. Federal Fiscal Year (Oct. 1).

* Sat., Oct. 1 - First day of calendar year Fourth Quarter (Oct. 1).

* Sat., Oct. 1, 7:00 a.m. EDT - Mars 0.5 degree south of Beehive Open Star Cluster (M44) in the Constellation Cancer the Crab.

* Oct. 2 to 8 - Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) / Mental Health Awareness Week (First Full Week of October).

* Mon., Oct. 3 - U.S. Supreme Court begins new term (First Monday in October).

* Mon., Oct. 3, 11:15 p.m. EDT - Moon Phase: First Quarter.

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

* Wed., Oct. 5 - International Walk to School Day (October 5).

* Wed., Oct. 5 - World Teachers' Day (Oct. 5).

* Thur., Oct. 6 - National Depression Screening Day® (NDSD) (During Mental Illness Awareness Week).

* Fri., Oct. 7, Sunset - Yom Kippur - Jewish Holy Day of Atonement and Holiness (Sunset in Pittsburgh: 6:53 p.m. EDT).

* Sat., Oct. 8, 4:00 p.m. EDT - Peak of October Draconid Meteor Shower.

* Sat., Oct. 8 - International Observe the Moon Night (InOMN).

* Oct. 9 to 15 - Fire Prevention Week (Week, from Sunday to Saturday, which includes October 9).

* Sun., Oct. 9 - Fire Prevention Day (Oct. 9).

* Sun., Oct. 9 - Clergy Appreciation National Day of Honoring (Second Sunday in October).

* Mon., Oct. 10 - Chistopher Columbus Day Observed: Federal Holiday in U.S.A. (Second Monday in October).

* Mon., Oct. 10 - Thanksgiving Day: Federal Holiday in Canada (Second Monday in October).

* Mon., Oct. 10 - World Mental Health Day (Oct. 10).

* Tue., Oct. 11, 10:06 p.m. EDT - Moon Phase: Full Moon (Hunter's Moon).
Smallest Full Moon in 2011.

* Wed., Oct. 12, 8:00 a.m. EDT - Moon at apogee: 406,434 kilometers.

* Wed., Oct. 12 - Chistopher Columbus Day (Oct. 12).

* Wed., Oct. 12, Sunset - Sukkot - Feast of Tabernacles of the Jewish faith begins (Sunset in Pittsburgh: 6:45 p.m. EDT).

* Thur., Oct. 13, 4:00 p.m. EDT - Jupiter 5 degrees south of the Moon.

* Thur., Oct. 13, 5:00 p.m. EDT - Saturn in conjunction with the Sun (Saturn not visible).

* Oct. 14 to 28 - Great World Wide Star Count.

* Fri., Oct. 14 - World Standards Day (Oct. 14).

* Fri., Oct. 14 - World Egg Day (Second Friday in October).

* Sat., Oct. 15 - Global Handwashing Day (Oct. 15).

* Sat., Oct. 15 - Sweetest Day (Third Saturday in October).

* Oct. 16 to 22 - Teen Read Week (Third Week of October).

* Oct. 16 to 22 - National Chemistry Week.

* Sun., Oct. 16 - World Food Day / Food Engineer Day (Oct. 16).

* Oct. 17 to 21 - National School Bus Safety Week (Third Week in October).

* Mon., Oct. 17 - National Boss Day (Oct. 16, unless date falls on weekend, then closest working day to Oct. 16).

* Wed., Oct. 19, 11:30 p.m. EDT - Moon Phase: Last Quarter.

* Thur., Oct. 20 - World Statistics Day (Oct. 20).

* Thur., Oct. 20 - Average end of the Growing Season for the Pittsburgh Quad-State Region (Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, Northern West Virginia, and Western Maryland, except at the higher altitudes in the Allegheny Mountains).

* Fri., Oct. 21, 6:00 p.m. EDT - Peak of Orionid Meteor Shower - remnants from Halley's Comet.

* Fri., Oct. 21, 8:00 p.m. EDT - Mars 6 degrees north of the Moon.

* Sat., Oct. 22 - Mercury at aphelion.

* Sat., Oct. 22, 9:00 p.m. EDT - Asteroid Juno in conjunction with the Sun (Juno not visible).

* Oct. 23 to 29 - Open Access Week (Last full week of October).

* Sun., Oct. 23 - Day of San Juan - Swallows leave Mission San Juan Capistano, California (Oct. 23).

* Sun., Oct. 23 - Mother-in-law Day (Fourth Sunday in October).

* Mon., Oct. 24 - Zodiacal Light dimly visible in northern lattitudes in eastern sky, before morning twilight, for next two weeks.

* Mon., Oct. 24 - 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 ! (Oct. 24).

* Mon., Oct. 24 - 1945: Founding of United Nations (Oct. 24).

* Mon., Oct. 24, 10:23 a.m. EDT - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope after sunset or before sunrise.

* Wed., Oct. 26, 8:00 a.m. EDT - Moon at perigee: 357,052 kilometers.
Large tides predicted.

* Wed., Oct. 26, 3:56 p.m. EDT - Moon Phase: New Moon - Lunation 1099.

* Wed., Oct. 26 - 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.

* Thur., Oct. 27, 10:00 p.m. EDT - Mercury 0.2 degree north of the Moon; occultation: Malaysia, Indonesia, southeastern portion of Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, French Polynesia.

* Fri., Oct. 28, 1:00 a.m. EDT - Venus 1.8 degrees north of the Moon.

* Fri., Oct. 28, 10:00 p.m. EDT - Jupiter at opposition (Jupiter visible all night long, approximately from sunset to sunrise).

* Sun., Oct. 30, 2:00 a.m. EDT - DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME CONTINUES - Change in Federal law, thus that return to Standard Time occurs 2:00 a.m. EDT (which becomes 1:00 a.m. EST) on the first Sunday in November.

* Sun., Oct. 30, 9:00 p.m. EDT (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.

* Mon., Oct. 31/Tue., Nov. 1/Wed., 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.

* Mon., Oct. 31, 1:00 a.m. EDT - Saturn 5 degrees north of Star Spica, brightest star in the Constellation Virgo the Virgin.

* Mon., Oct. 31, 1:48 a.m. EDT - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope after sunset or before sunrise.

* Sun., Nov. 6, 2:00 a.m. EDT - DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS - Change in Federal law thus that return to Standard Time occurs 2:00 a.m. EDT (which becomes 1:00 a.m. EST) on the first Sunday in November.

* Mon., Nov. 7, 2:17 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.

* Tue., Nov. 1, 8:00 p.m. EDT - Mercury and Venus are 2.0 degrees apart.

* Wed., Nov. 2, 12:38 p.m. EDT - Moon Phase: First Quarter.

* Wed., Nov. 2 (1920), 7:00 p.m. EDT (6:00 p.m. EST in 1920) - First broadcast of the world's first commercial radio broadcast station: KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh (Nov. 2).

* Fri., Nov. 4, 1:00 p.m. EDT (First Friday in November) - Was annual opening of very popular Miniature Railroad and Village (beginning of "Railroad Season") exhibit at Pittsburgh's original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science.

* Sat., Nov. 5 - Carl Sagan Day.

* Sat., Nov. 5 (1605) - Guy Fawkes Day is celebrated in England for the failed plot to blow-up Britain's Houses of Parliament and kill King James I (originally James VI of Scotland) in 1605. Industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie considered this event so important, that several of the public libraries he constructed were dedicated on November 5! (Nov. 5).

* Sat., Nov. 5, 7:00 p.m. EDT - Peak of South Taurid Meteor Shower.

* Nov. 6 to 12 - Winter Safety Awareness Week: Pennsylvania (First full week of November).

* Sun., Nov. 6, 2:00 a.m. EDT - DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS - Change in Federal law thus that return to Standard Time occurs 2:00 a.m. EDT (which becomes 1:00 a.m. EST) on the first Sunday in November.

* Mon., Nov. 7, 2:17 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.

* Tue., Nov. 8 - General Election Day - Local Offices - Pennsylvania Election Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST.

* Tue., Nov. 8, 8:00 a.m. EST - Moon at apogee: 406,177 kilometers.

* Wed., Nov. 9, 2:00 p.m. EST - Jupiter 5 degrees south of the Moon.

* Wed., Nov. 9, 3:00 p.m. EST - Venus 4 degrees north of Star Antares.

* Wed., Nov. 9, 11:00 p.m. EST - Mars 1.4 degrees north of Star Regulus.

* Thur., Nov. 10, 3:16 p.m. EST - Moon Phase: Full Moon (Beaver Moon).

* Fri., Nov. 11 - Veterans' Day/Armistice Day (Nov. 11, unless Nov. 11 falls on Saturday or Sunday - U.S.A.).

* Fri., Nov. 11 - Remembrance Day (Nov. 11 - Canada).

* Sat., Nov. 12 - Beginning of Project FeederWatch, annual Citizen Science project: Winter-long survey of birds that visit feeders at backyards, nature centers, community areas, and other locales in North America. Allows the general public to help scientists track broadscale movements of Winter bird populations and long-term trends in bird distribution and abundance.

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

* Nov. 13 to 19 - Winter Safety Awareness Week: Ohio (Second full week of November).

* Sun., Nov. 13, 12:00 Midnight EST - Mercury and Venus 2.0 degrees apart.

* Tue., Nov. 15 - National Philanthropy Day® (Nov. 15).

* Julian Calendar: Nov. 15 - Beginning of Orthodox Advent (Nov. 15) - Orthodox churches use the Julian Calendar and celebrate Advent for 40 days.

* Wed., Nov. 16 - World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day.

* Thur., Nov. 17 - "Great American Smokeout," to assist people to quit smoking (third Thursday in November).

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

* Fri., Nov. 18 (1883) - Anniversary of the establishment of standard time zones by American and Canadian railroads.

* Fri., Nov. 18, 10:09 a.m. EST - Moon Phase: Last Quarter.

* Sat., Nov. 19 (1941) - 70th anniversary of the dedication of The People's Observatory on the third floor of Pittsburgh's original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science (Nov. 19).

* Sat., Nov. 19 (1958) - Federal formation of the National Radio Quiet Zone, providing for radio research at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, West Virginia (Nov. 19).

* Sat., Nov. 19 - 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.).

* Sat., Nov. 19, 5:00 a.m. EST - Mars 8 degrees north of the Moon.

* Sun., Nov. 20 - Universal Children's Day (Nov. 20).

* Tue., Nov. 22 (1963), 1:30 p.m. EST - Anniversary of the Assassination of John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States of America.

* Tue., Nov. 22, 5:00 p.m. EST - Saturn 7 degrees north of the Moon.

* Wed., Nov. 23, 6:00 p.m. EST - Moon at perigee: 359,691 kilometers.

* Thur., Nov. 24 - Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November - U.S.A.).

* Fri., Nov. 25 - "Black Friday" - Was sometimes the busiest day of the year at Pittsburgh's original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science (Day after Thanksgiving Day, U.S.A.).

* Fri., Nov. 25, 1:10 a.m. EST - Moon Phase: New Moon - Lunation 1100.

* Fri., Nov. 25, 1:20:16.6 a.m. EST - Time of greatest eclipse for Partial Eclipse of the Sun visible in Antarctica, southern portion of South Africa, Tasmania, and nearly all of New Zealand.
Always use safe techniques for the eyes when attempting to view an Eclipse of the Sun or Solar Eclipse.

* Sat., Nov. 26 - Small Business Saturday (Saturday after Black Friday).

* Sat., Nov. 26, 5:00 a.m. EST - Mercury 1.7 degrees south of the Moon.

* Sat., Nov. 26, Sunset (Sunset in Pittsburgh: 4:56 p.m. EST) - Islamic New Year ( Muharram): A.H. 1432 - Based on lunar calendar, but the New Moon must be observable ( astronomical considerations).

* Sat., Nov. 26, 11:00 p.m. EST - Venus 3 degrees south of the Moon.

* Sun., Nov. 27 - First Sunday in Advent (Traditional) - First of four Sundays in Advent prior to Christmas Day

* Mon., Nov. 28 - Cyber Monday (Monday after Black Friday).

* Tue., Nov. 29 - Venus at aphelion.

* Wed., Nov. 30 - St Andrew's Day (Nov. 30).

* Wed., Nov. 30 - Last day of Hurricane Season (Nov. 30).

* Thur., Dec. 1 - Beginning of Summer Season in Australia.

* Thur., Dec. 1 - World AIDS Day.

* Fri., Dec. 2, 4:52 a.m. EST - Moon Phase: First Quarter.

* Dec. 4 to 10 - National Influenza Vaccination Week.

* Dec. 4 to 10 - National Handwashing Awareness Week (First full week of December).

* Sun., Dec. 4, 4:00 a.m. EST - Mercury in inferior conjunction (Mercury not visible).

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

* Mon., Dec. 5 - Mercury at perihelion.

* Mon., Dec. 5, 8:00 p.m. EST - Moon at apogee: 405,414 kilometers.

* Tue., Dec. 6 - Feast of Saint Nicholas (Traditional: Gregorian Calendar) (Dec. 6).

* Tue., Dec. 6, 3:00 p.m. EST - Jupiter 5 degrees south of the Moon.

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

* Sat., Dec. 10 - Measure the Moon Night - An educational, collaborative experience and experiment in measuring the Moon's distance and size.

* Sat., Dec. 10, 9:31:48.5 a.m. EST - Time of greatest eclipse for Total Eclipse of the Moon. All of eclipse visible in Alaska, Yukon Territory, much of Canadian Northwest Territories, Australia, and most of Asia. Part of eclipse visible in other parts of North America (eclipse in progress as Moon sets, with people in the west seeing more of the eclipse), Europe , other parts of Asia, and most of Africa except extreme western sections (early portions of the eclipse occur before moonrise).
An Eclipse of the Moon, or Lunar Eclipse, is completely safe to observe with the naked-eye or any optical device.

* Sat., Dec. 10, 9:36 a.m. EST - Moon Phase: Full Moon (Cold Moon or Long-Nights Moon).

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

* 2011 Dec. 14 to 2012 Jan. 5 - CITIZEN SCIENCE:
Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count (Dec. 14 to Jan. 5).

* Wed., 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 (Dec. 14).

* Wed., Dec. 14, 1:00 p.m. EST - Peak of Geminid Meteor Shower (Dec. 14).

* Fri., Dec. 16 - Free Shipping Day by Internet merchants for delivery of Christmas gifts by Christmas Eve (Third Friday in December).

* Sat., 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 (Dec. 17).

* Sat., Dec. 17, 8:00 a.m. EST - Mars 8 degrees north of the Moon.

* Sat., Dec. 17, 7:48 p.m. EST - Moon Phase: Last Quarter.

* Mon., Dec. 19 - Feast of Saint Nicholas (Orthodox: Julian Calendar) (Dec. 19).

* Tue., Dec. 20, Sunset (Sunset in Pittsburgh: 4:56 p.m. EST) to Dec. 28 - Chanukah (Jewish festival of rededication, also known as the Festival of Lights.)

* Tue., Dec. 20, 5:00 a.m. EST - Saturn 7 degrees north of the Moon.

* Wed., Dec. 21, 10:00 p.m. EST - Moon at perigee: 364,800 kilometers.

* Thur., Dec. 22, 12:30 a.m. EST - Winter Solstice: beginning of Winter season in Earth's Northern Hemisphere.

* Thur., Dec. 22, 3:00 p.m. EST - Mercury 7 degrees north of Star Antares.

* Thur., Dec. 22, 9:00 p.m. EST - Peak of the Ursid Meteor Shower (Dec. 22).

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

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

* Sat., Dec. 24, 1:06 p.m. EST - Moon Phase: New Moon - Lunation 1101.

* 2011 Dec. 25 to 2012 Jan. 5 - First day of the 12 days of Christmas (Dec. 25).

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

* Sun., Dec. 25 - Winter Solstice according to ancient calendars (Dec. 25).

* 2011 Dec. 26 to 2012 Jan. 1 - Kwanzaa (Week-long holiday observance honoring African-American heritage) (Dec. 26).

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

* Tue., Dec. 27, 6:00 a.m. EST - Venus 6 degrees south of the Moon.

* Tue., Dec. 27, 10:52 p.m. EST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope after sunset or before sunrise.

* Thur., Dec. 29, 3:00 a.m. EST - Dwarf Planet Pluto in conjunction with the Sun (Pluto not visible).

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

* Sat., Dec. 31 - Asteroid Ceres in conjunction with the Sun (Ceres not visible).

* Sun., 2012 Jan. 1, 12:00:00 Midnight (00:00:00) Prevailing Time - New Year's Day: Calendar Year A.D. 2012 begins (Jan. 1).