Last night was fantastic! Very clear, nice temperatures. I went to the local observing spot to try and image the Leo Triplet. However, due to an oversight on my part, I couldn't get very good tracking. Silliness really, but that's how it goes sometimes.
In the early evening hours I caught a glimpse of Mercury as it hung beside Venus. I've been observing for a long time, so it's a shame to say that this is the first time I have ever seen it through a scope! Through my 80mm ED and Radian 10mm eyepiece, it wasn't too bad. An orange ball, shimmering in the haze. Quite a pretty sight.
Leo Triplet - I will return to you next week, hopefully!
This was a pretty pairing! All my years of observing I have had only a few good views of Mercury....at best some surface shading. But finding it in the twilight is always a thrill!
ReplyDeleteI can't recall the last time I saw Mercury. But the last time I saw Venus and Mars, they were both marvelous experience.
ReplyDeleteAlways good to see the planets! Mercury was neat, and I always find Venus to be a little eerie - not sure why.
ReplyDeleteI am actually taking an elective class in planetary astronomy as part of my Masters program so expect to do some more planetary observing soon...
Cheers
Phil