Stargaze for Boy Scouts Camporee working on merit badges

evening of April 17 or 18    (Friday-Saturday)    sunset 8:17 / 8:18   

Apr 18 is New Crescent Night 

This crescent should be easily spotted in clear weather if there is no low haze. Many new crescents are spotted about 20 minutes after sunset. 

The boat shaped crescent will in 36 hrs. old in the WNW sky and 20º high at sunset 8:18 pm 

sunset     8:18 pm

moonset 10:18 pm 

Many people have never seen a new crescent. You will likely also see earthshine (the night side of the orb) Just look for the full circle. 

crescent watch caution: don't use binocs prior to sunset because a new crescent is in proximity to the sun.