pgriz
Been spending a lot of time on here!
- Joined
- Jul 30, 2010
- Messages
- 6,734
- Reaction score
- 3,221
- Location
- Canada
- Can others edit my Photos
- Photos OK to edit
On February 23, the moon will be 1 day new, and will be about 18 degrees above the horizon when the sun sets. It should be about 1% illuminated, so will show a very narrow arc. If you are interested in photographing the moon near the horizon, this may be an interesting opportunity. To know exactly where the moon will set, you can use "The Photographer's Ephemeris" downloadable from here: The Photographer's Ephemeris | Plan your shoot. As the moon approaches the horizon, twilight will deepen, but there should still be enough light to show lots of detail in the foreground while catching the moon.
At the same time, you may want to look for Mercury, below the Moon, located about 8 degrees above the horizon, and difficult to see without visual aid (binoculars or telescope). If you do spot it, you'll join an exclusive club. Less than 1% of humans have ever seen Mercury with their own eyes during their lifetime.
Above the Moon, about ten degrees south, and about 15 degrees closer to the zenith, you'll see the planet Venus, shining extremely brightly. Again about the same distance further along, you'll also see Jupiter.
If you are clouded out on February 23, you can spot the Moon the next day, and by this time it will be about 5% illuminated, and be about 28 degrees above the western horizon at sunset. However, it will be past 8 pm EST by the time it gets close to setting, so the horizon will be in the dark.
Happy skygazing!
At the same time, you may want to look for Mercury, below the Moon, located about 8 degrees above the horizon, and difficult to see without visual aid (binoculars or telescope). If you do spot it, you'll join an exclusive club. Less than 1% of humans have ever seen Mercury with their own eyes during their lifetime.
Above the Moon, about ten degrees south, and about 15 degrees closer to the zenith, you'll see the planet Venus, shining extremely brightly. Again about the same distance further along, you'll also see Jupiter.
If you are clouded out on February 23, you can spot the Moon the next day, and by this time it will be about 5% illuminated, and be about 28 degrees above the western horizon at sunset. However, it will be past 8 pm EST by the time it gets close to setting, so the horizon will be in the dark.
Happy skygazing!