Venus At Noon

by Pentti Kanerva

Rob wrote yesterday of spotting Venus after sunrise. By being near the Moon, it is easy to find also today and is "naked-eye" from Menlo Park right now. Here is what I do: with Sun behind a building or some trees, find the crescent Moon, which is about three hours ahead of the Sun. Then follow the lower limb for 4 finger widths to the right and there is Venus. Binoculars make spotting it easier. Go 6-7 degrees right of the Moon--that's about one field of view in 8x30--and more later in the day.

Tracking Venus throughout the day under similar conditions three years ago is what got me into observing. I was surprised and delighted.

Have a look, enjoy. -Pentti

Observing Reports Observing Sites GSSP 2010, July 10 - 14
Frosty Acres Ranch
Adin, CA

OMG! Its full of stars.
Golden State Star Party
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