Did you see it?

Did you get a glimpse of the perigee full moon last night? It was pretty cool. Very bright, very large, especially on the horizon. Anti-climactic? Perhaps a little, but still a sight to see. I tried to take some pics, but it's difficult with a digital point-and-shoot with something that far away. It's always smaller in the picture than what you see through the naked eye. Here's the best one I got, cropped down some.

Full moon mania tonight!

Remember that tonight is the night for the biggest full moon of the year - literally! See my previous blog on the subject. Moon rises at 4:46pm, sun sets at 4:48pm. Sky conditions should be optimal.

The largest full moon of 2008

Tomorrow (Friday) evening, Dec. 12, might be a good time to take in a little astronomy. According to NASA, the moon will be at perigee (it's closest point to the earth) at the same time that it is full, promising a spectacular view (provided there are few or no clouds) of the largest full moon of the year! It will appear 14% larger and 30% brighter than other "normal" full moons. Not only that, but it will rise here in Memphis at 4:46pm, 2 minutes before official sunset! So, be sure to check the eastern sky between 4:45-5:15pm Friday for a large full moon rising during twilight. I'll try and post a few pics on Saturday.