Sunday, September 13, 2009

Our morning sky


This week, the moon moves between Mars and Venus. On the morning of September 14, the waning moon hovers just below reddish Mars. Twenty-four hours later, it lies near the distant star cluster known as the Beehive. This is an interesting sight through binoculars contrasting the bright 240,000 mile distant moon with the dim stars of the 500 light-year distant Beehive.

On the 16th, the thin crescent moon sits next to brilliant Venus, making an intriguing sight. Earthshine, which is back reflected sunlight off the Earth, really enhances the scene. This will be a great way to start the day!

To see these sights, simply look to the east about 6 a.m.

Such is our view from Earth ...

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