[LM_NET] May 19th, Sky watch for the Moon and Planet Venus

[Mary Ludwick <ludwick@SWBELL.NET>]

http://www.space.com/spacewatch/070511_ns_moon_venus.html
Moon and Venus Pair Up May 19

SPACE.com

Every once in a while, something will appear in the sky that will attract 
the attention of even those who normally don't bother looking up.  It's 
likely to be that way on Saturday evening, May 19, when a slender crescent 
Moon, just 15-percent illuminated, will appear in very close proximity to 
the brightest planet in the sky.

Those who have no advance notice will almost certainly wonder, as they cast 
a casual glance toward the Moon on that night, what that "huge silvery star" 
happens to be?  Sometimes, such an occasion brings with it a sudden spike of 
phone calls to local planetariums, weather offices and even police 
precincts.  Not a few of these calls excitedly inquire about "the UFO" 
that's hovering closely in the vicinity of our natural satellite.

The planet that will keep close company with the Moon on that Saturday 
evening will be dazzling Venus, which has adorned the western twilight sky 
since late December.  No other star or planet can come close to matching 
Venus in brilliance.  During World War II, aircraft spotters sometimes 
mistook Venus for an enemy airplane.  There were even cases where Venus drew 
antiaircraft fire.  Venus currently is setting about three and a half hours 
after sunset, which means it's in the sky until past 11 p.m.  For some 
locations it remains visible until after midnight................(article 
continues)..............



Mary Croix Ludwick, Librarian  K-5
Thomas Haley Elem, Irving, Texas (near Dallas)
ludwick@swbell.net (home address)
mludwick@irvingisd.net (school address)

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
  You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
  by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET  2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
3) SET LM_NET MAIL  4) SET LM_NET DIGEST  * Allow for confirmation.
 * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
 * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
 * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/
 * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------