[MIham] New Year's Eve Sky Show

[Frank]

Space Weather News for Dec. 29, 2008
http://spaceweather.com

NEW YEAR'S EVE: What a way to end the year. On Dec. 31st, Venus and the 
slender crescent Moon will gather together high in the southwestern sky for 
a beautiful conjunction visible for hours after sunset.  The two brightest 
objects in the night sky can be seen through city lights and even 
fireworks--so everyone can enjoy the show. Meanwhile, closer to the horizon, 
Mercury and Jupiter are converging for their own Dec. 31st conjunction. This 
one is not so easy to see, but rewarding for those who make the effort to 
find the two planets shining through the rosy glow of sunset.

Visit http://spaceweather.com for sky maps and photos of the converging 
planets.

BONUS: Is Venus really bright enough to cast shadows?  The answer is yes, 
and the proof may be found on today's edition of Spaceweather.com.  A French 
photographer has captured rare images of Venus casting a shadow and he has 
even made a movie of the shadow in motion.