Friday, November 4 2022
The moon is about to put on a few sky shows over the next few days. The first one will be tonight when it will appear next to Jupiter, our solar system’s largest planet. As long as the sky remains clear, this should be visible to the naked eye just about anywhere on the planet. Even better with simple binoculars.
The moon will be full on Tuesday the 8th, which will also be when we get treated to a total Lunar Eclipse. More on that below.
It is important to note that the moon will rise before the sun sets. At that time the sky will be too bright for the full visual.
Tonight’s Moon
- Phase: Waxing Gibbous
- Face Illumination: 86.7%
- Distance From Earth: 235,511 miles away
Where and When to look:
The view will be rising in the Southeast, then cross the southern half of the night sky. It may be visible as early as 6:10 PM EDT in central Maryland. A little earlier to the east and later to the west.
I am using 6:45 PM as a good basis for true dusk to allow for any urban light pollution for most people to be able to experience the view.
The moon sets at 3:20 AM Saturday in the Western sky.
UPDATE: METEOR SPOTTED ON CAMERA OVER BALTIMORE COUNTY MD
This was during the Moon and Jupiter Conjunction
Also see the best photo submitted.
Meteor Sighting Friday Night November 4: Video From Baltimore County And Map Where It Tracked
What you might see:
This visual is to show you that Jupiter will appear ‘just above and to the left’ of the rising moon.
Exaggeration is an understatement here. Jupiter is 365 million miles away from Earth, compared to the moon orbiting at 235,111 miles tonight. While it appears larger in relation to us, the moon could duplicate itself 65,000 times and fill up the full size of Jupiter.
Astronomy Photography
James Willinghan often shares local views of the night sky using his telescope and camera. Here is a sample of the moon and Jupiter he captured recently. Let’s hope he can get a glimpse of tonight’s show to share.
Mars and Jupiter from September 9th and a compilation image with images to include the Harvest Moon from over the last month. @JustinWeather pic.twitter.com/vS9wpN8J4M
— James Willinghan (@JamesWillinghan) September 15, 2022
Next Up: Total Lunar Eclipse
November 8th – This will reach totality around sunrise. In fact, the eclipse will end for our region at 6:42 AM, the predicted sunrise that day.
This means that the moon will be setting in the West during the eclipse. If the sky is clear, it will provide a wonderful chance for photographers to capture the low angle blood red moon with great framing of buildings or landscape. I really hope it is clear and we get amazing pics to share.
NASA Visualization – Earth Shadow and Color Change
Key Time Frames
3:02 a.m. Penumbral eclipse begins
The Moon enters the Earth’s penumbra, the outer part of the shadow. The Moon begins to dim, but the effect is quite subtle.
4:09 a.m. Partial eclipse begins
The Moon begins to enter Earth’s umbra and the partial eclipse begins. To the naked eye, as the Moon moves into the umbra, it looks like a bite is being taken out of the lunar disk. The part of the Moon inside the umbra will appear very dark.
5:17 a.m. Totality Begins
The entire Moon is now in the Earth’s umbra. The Moon will turn a coppery-red. Try binoculars or a telescope for a better view. If you want to take a photo, use a camera on a tripod with exposures of at least several seconds.
6:42 a.m. Totality ends
As the Moon exits Earth’s umbra, the red color fades. It will look as if a bite is being taken out of the opposite side of the lunar disk as before.
Don’t Forget The Sunday Morning Sky Show
From Earth – NASA on Wallops Island
Rocket Launch
November 6th at 5:50 AM
See more in this report which also includes the LIVE Stream from NASA TV.
Note that this will be with the ADJUSTED STANDARD TIME
(We get an extra hour of sleep)
Also See:
November To Start Very Warm
STEM Assemblies/In School Fields Trips Are Back
Click to see more and ‘Book’ a visit to your school
Weather posts straight to your inbox
Sign up and be the first to know!
Normals And Records: Maryland and Baltimore Climate History
Winter Outlook Reports
Winter Outlook 2023 From NOAA Very Different Than Farmers Almanacs
Farmer’s Almanac Comparison
Winter Outlook 2023 Early Look At Snow From Two Farmers Almanacs
Triple Dip La Niña Winter
CONNECTION TO WINTER?
If you want a snowy winter, this is what you might want to look for in the rest of the tropical season. (You might be seeing a lot of commercial snow removal people out this Winter).
Record August For No Named Tropical Storms: Closer Look At Snow Following
Wooly Bear Caterpillars
Persimmon Seeds
Click to see Top 20 and MORE
Winter Weather Folklore Top 20 And More Outlook Signals From Nature For Cold And Snow
Faith in the Flakes Gear
SNOWSTIX – Available Now
Please share your thoughts, best weather pics/videos, or just keep in touch via social media
-
Facebook: Justin Berk, Meteorologist
-
Twitter: @JustinWeather
-
Instagram: justinweather