The new moon on August 4, 2024, will bring a special celestial event as it makes a close pass to Venus. This conjunction will be followed by Venus and Mercury coming close together, forming a visible pair in the evening sky. A new moon occurs when the sun and moon share the same celestial longitude, known as a conjunction, which happens approximately every 29.5 days. New moons are often used to mark the start of the month in various lunar calendrical systems, such as in Muslim, Jewish, M?ori, and Chinese traditions.
The timing of new moons depends on the moon’s position, making it easy to find the local time of the event based on the time zone. For example, on the Eastern Seaboard, the new moon will be at 7:13 a.m. EDT, while in Los Angeles it will be at 4:13 a.m. local time. In Sydney, Australia, the new moon will occur at 9:13 p.m. on August 4.
To observe the night sky during new moons, consider using telescopes or binoculars for a closer look. Photographing the night sky can also be a rewarding experience, and there are tips available on how to capture the beauty of celestial events like the conjunction of the moon and Venus.
On the night of the new moon, Venus will be visible in the western sky, setting at 8:58 p.m. in New York City. The moon will be in conjunction with Venus the following day, passing just under 2 degrees to the north of the planet. While this conjunction may not be readily observable in certain locations, moving southward can provide better viewing opportunities.
In the tropics, the conjunction of the moon and Venus will be more visible, with Mercury also in conjunction with the moon on August 5. Observers in locations like Singapore will have a chance to see this celestial event, with Venus and Mercury forming a triangle with the moon in the evening sky.
For those in the Southern Hemisphere, Venus and the moon will be in a better position compared to observers in the Northern Hemisphere. Mars and Jupiter will also be visible in the constellation Taurus, rising in the early hours of August 5. The night sky in August offers a chance to see constellations from multiple seasons, providing a rich viewing experience for stargazers.
Overall, the August 2024 new moon and the conjunction of the moon and Venus present a unique opportunity to observe the beauty of the night sky. Whether using telescopes, binoculars, or cameras, enthusiasts can capture the magic of celestial events and explore the wonders of the universe.
