Conjunction Nearly Missed

When I left work at sunset I noticed the moon at a perfect angle. I then remembered it was time for a conjunction. However, I had to stop by the store so I couldn't admire it too long. Maybe I would try to linger tomorrow night. I didn't have my camera remote with me so it wouldn't be worth it to try and mount the camera on the tripod for shaky photos would it?

On the way home, though, I decided I should try it handheld anyway. Florida skies can change to cloudy in no time and tonight was completely clear. Not to bad for no stability. From left to right: Venus, Mars, and that constant companion La Luna.



Glad I took the few minutes. The next night was indeed clouded over. Opportunity nearly missed.

This Year's Conjunction

When not chasing the birds I do stare at the sky. Right now, the attention is to the conjunction. of 3 planets. Jupiter, Mercury, and Venus. Problem with sky watching in Florida, especially as Summer approaches, is clouds. Makes it difficult to even see the night sky at times.

I headed to the local store parking garage and hoped for a break in the clouds and was rewarded with a brief view just after sunset.



The following night was to be the closest the three planets would be during this conjunction. Again, I had to wait out the clouds and shoot through the gaps.



There is a rock and gravel processing plant just down the street and the large lights stay on all night. You can see a series of pillars from the light on the right of this shot.



The planets will continue to dance together for a while and appear as a pretty straight line by the end of the week. More clouds are in the forecast but I will try again then.