Feb 10, 2014: Lovely naked-eye line-up of planets at dawn

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

When the alarm clock went off at the usual 6:30 (5:30 UK time), I had a quick look out of the window, and was treated to a rare clear patch, showing a beautiful dawn line-up of Venus, Saturn, and Mars. They were all too low to see from the garden with the scope, so I didn't bother to set it up, and just admired the view from the bedroom window. This kind of sight always reminds me of your own alignment with respect to the plane of the solar system. It's cloudy now, but I am pleased to have had a glimpse of what's out there.

[brantuk]

Ceres and Vesta were also in a shallow upward arc from Mars and Spica -  just above the ecliptic. The morning skies are often very beautiful as we start the approach to the equinox this time of year. I had a skim round with binoculars at 4:40am and even spotted what I think was M5. If you're an early riser it's a good time to take advantage at every chance of a clear sky.

[mjpfc]

Too True gents.

                Chasing around after Ison - Lovejoy and crew in the mornings has allowed me to see some

morning marvells that I would normally have missed, such as Saturn as near paeesd Conjunction with the sun as I have ever seen it.

It is always good to set the alarm now and again and do some early obs in lieue of the late nights.

If we don't we are missing out

Mick

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Spotted the same line-up of planets this morning. Nice sight.

[bish]

Just wish I could get out of bed in the mornings!

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Just wish I could get out of bed in the mornings!

Standard practice, I always get up that early to make breakfast, lunch boxes for the kids, the missus and myself, and chase the kids out of bed.

[Pete Presland]

they make a beautiful sight in the mornings, just hoping for a chance to image them soon.

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Had another look this morning. Frank (my eldest) joined me and I explained which planet was which (none needed for Venus). He liked the idea that he could really see the plane of the solar system laid out in front of him. Very relaxing couple of minutes with Frank just admiring the our place in space.

[ollypenrice]

Had another look this morning. Frank (my eldest) joined me and I explained which planet was which (none needed for Venus). He liked the idea that he could really see the plane of the solar system laid out in front of him. Very relaxing couple of minutes with Frank just admiring the our place in space.

...and not forgetting to look down for another one, of course!

Ollyu

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

...and not forgetting to look down for another one, of course!

Ollyu

He actually reminded me he had seen 4 planets that morning, not 3. You have to love a kid like that (as if I ever had ny difficulties )

[chiltonstar]

Pretty nice this morning too - even nicer without rain & gales!

Chris

[kerrylewis]

Pretty nice this morning too - even nicer without rain & gales!

Chris

It was- the ecliptic laid out again. From the moon to Venus. It's going to a good couple of months for the planets.

Kerry