The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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November 29, 2008

Full moon will limit observation of Geminid

By Bob Killam



Phases of the moon for November are:

• Dec. 5: First quarter.

• Dec. 12: Full moon.

• Dec. 19: Last quarter.

• Dec. 27: New moon.



Nov. 13 is the peak of the Geminid meteor showers.

The full moon makes this a poor year for dark sky Geminid peak observing, though the shower, one of the very best presently visible from Earth, is strong enough for some meteors to be seen by those with clearer, darker skies. Geminids are typically bright, medium-speed, though few leave persistent trains.

Winter solstice will be 6:04 p.m. CST Dec. 21. The sun, appearing to travel along the ecliptic, reaches the point where it is farthest south of the celestial equator, so days are shortest and nights longest.



Leonardo’s Star Quest Astronomy Club meets the second Tuesday night of the month at Leonardo’s Discovery Warehouse and the fourth Tuesday at Northern Oklahoma College Enid observatory. Sessions start at 7.



Every Wednesday and Thursday, weather permitting, the NOC observatory will open to the general public. Sessions start at 7 p.m. Large groups planning to visit should call 548-2399 to schedule an appointment.



Killam is resident astronomer and astronomical league coordinator for Leonardo’s Star Quest Astronomy Club and director of NOC observatory.

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