I went to pick up some stuff at CompUSA on Tuesday afternoon and on the way home I was treated to the most beautiful scene in the late afternoon (and yes, darkening!) sky. The crescent Moon was hanging low in the west and I could easily make out the effects of earthshine on the “old moon in the New Moon’s arms.” It was really lovely. Of course, the weather’s getting colder now, so the sky just sparkles in the chilly air.

I like watching the Moon, and try to catch a glimpse of it each day (and night), from the first thin crescent after New Moon to the waning crescent old Moon at the end of each monthly cycle. This month it’ll be full on December 26, so if you get new binoculars or a telescope for Christmas, you’ll have a lovely natural target to try out with your treasure.

Of course at its fullest this month (December 26th), the Moon will be bright enough to nearly wash out the view of a celestial visitor making its way between the constellations Eridanus and Taurus—Comet Machholz! You can go out and find it now while the Moon isn’t interfering, although the comet promises to be a finer view in January. SkyandTelescope.com has a helpful online story and finder chart if you’re interested in doing a little comet-tracking!

But, back to the Moon. I’ve always been fascinated with it. It’s the first (and so far only) other place in the solar system where humans have landed. It provides a menagerie of fascinating craters to explore, not to mention cracks and rilles and mountains. You could easily spend months exploring the Moon’s surface with nothing more than a good pair of binoculars.

So, if you’re out holiday shopping the next few nights after work, take a moment to stop and look up at the Moon. It’s a fine break from the ringing of the cash registers, the endless holiday music, the stuffy buildings, and maddening crowds.