Lunar Occulations for January 2009

January 2009 Lunar Occulations

January is the first full month of Winter. Since we are past the Winter Solstice (1st day of winter), the Sun continues to move higher in the sky and days lengthen.  (See also, January Skies)

All the prominent Winter stars and constellations are now easily visible at night, along with the Winter Milky Way.

Observers with binoculars or small telescopes may want to watch the Moon occult (eclipse) or approach very close to stars of 6th magnitude or brighter on the mornings of January 10th, 11th, and 14th.

Star Parties – Two public local Star Parties are planned for January:

1. Phoenix Astronomical Society Quadrantid Meteor Shower Party
   January 3rd (MORNING):  Paradise Valley Park,  17642 N. 40^th St., Phoenix.   RSVP to 602-971-9129 by 2pm Jan. 2nd if you plan to attend.
2. January 9 (EVENING): East Valley Astronomy Club at Riparian Preserve Observatory, Gilbert AZ (adjacent to Gilbert AZ Public Library).

Note:  Weather permitting, of course. Star parties usually feature several different telescopes for public sky viewing. Be sure to check the organizations’ websites below for driving maps and up-to-date information.

Helpful Internet Astronomy Resources
Free January Star Map:  http://www.skymaps.com/
Sky and Telescope Magazine     http://www.skyandtelescope.com
Phoenix Astronomical Society   http://www.pasaz.org
East Valley Astronomy Club      http://www.eastvalleyastronomy.com

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