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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Late winter's gathering of Jupiter, Venus and the Moon

25 February 2012

I had been anticipating this gathering of celestial bodies for quite awhile now, but with the cloudy and rainy weather, (not bad for February), I did not expect to catch any of this - missing it. As all good Astronomers do, I looked up as I headed out on my evening's adventures...and to my great surprise... there was Jupiter, Venus and the crescent Moon in the wonderful anticipated gathering...!

I darted back inside to grab the Canon and captured some quick shots before my night began...

Using just the optical 12x zoom on the camera, I was able to grab nice shots...

I hope, during this coming week, that our skies offer clear views of this continuing conjunction, as our Moon adjusts it's place among the two planets. I just might even set up a scope to enjoy it further...

But, be sure to take a moment or two to stop what you are doing and enjoy this changing dance of solar system objects during this coming week - just before sunset will set it against a great turquoise sky.

The ancient Mayans would dig this.

[-=CROMAN=-]

I snapped a couple of pics myself

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Spill the pics man.

[headdunce]

My ears are all warm now that I'm back inside, great night for viewing for a February!

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Night 2: Jupiter, Venus and Lunar Conjunction

26 February 2012

And again...we are treated to a clear evening to enjoy this very nice conjunctions.

Staying within the confines of my back yard, I have a slice of western sky, past my neighbors...

A nice shift from last night's positioning, with the Moon now sliding past Jupiter and leaving Venus behind...

Nice Earthshine reflecting back onto the unlit lunar lanscape...

The Canon took good 12x optical zoom pics, but this time, I pushed the Canon into the 48x digital zoom...and with decent results.

Venus shone especially brilliant...

And it's phase was easily discernible.

With a warm 45 degrees, this was a pleasant 20 minutes...and only wished I had planned in setting up scopes for the rare event...

Hope the next few nights will be clear...!

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Night 3: Slowly spreading out

27 February 2012

I had some time this early evening to catch this conjunction against a turquoise sky, first from my limited backyard vista. Heading out into my alley, I get better angles...

But, only heading about five doors down, do I get a decent clear view of the gathering...

Glad I was able to view this bunching up of planets and our Moon, as this winter has been a pleasant one. We got another similar conjunction coming up soon and with warmer temps to enjoy ...

[Paulie pchris00]

As always when it comes to posting pics, I got sidetracked this week and didn't get around to it.

I caught the conjunction Saturday, February 25, from Conway Observatory.




First in the twilight...




...then after dark.