Unknown object

[Space_Cadet]

Hi everyone - I’m a casual stargazer at best. I only bring the scope out to look at obvious things when there’s a good view (the moon, Jupiter, etc)

Well I noted a super bright star in the western sky this evening and figured it was Jupiter so I got the scope out.

When I got it in focus I had trouble identifying it because I couldn’t spot the four Galileans, but what I did see was something which I could only bring into focus by taking the planet out of focus - I figure it’s a lot closer to us than the planet. I took a wobbly picture of it with my phone to the eyepiece. Long shot, but can anyone tell me what it is? 

[banjaxed]

I think you will find it is Venus.

[Seeq]

Yup. Definitely venus. Hard to really get a good look at when it's dark as it's so bright. Always best to look at when dusk. Well done getting a photo of it.

[Space_Cadet]

Thanks folks. Much appreciated.

[RT65CB-SWL]

Hi @Space_Cadet and welcome to SGL. 

Definitely Venus, (with 'lens flare'). Yesterday, (24th March), Venus was at greatest elongation, as viewed from Earth. 

Mars, Jupiter & Saturn are currently in the morning skies. Today, (25th March), is New Moon.

Enjoy.  

[AJD_OFFICIAL]

19 hours ago, Space_Cadet said:

Hi everyone - I’m a casual stargazer at best. I only bring the scope out to look at obvious things when there’s a good view (the moon, Jupiter, etc)

Well I noted a super bright star in the western sky this evening and figured it was Jupiter so I got the scope out.

When I got it in focus I had trouble identifying it because I couldn’t spot the four Galileans, but what I did see was something which I could only bring into focus by taking the planet out of focus - I figure it’s a lot closer to us than the planet. I took a wobbly picture of it with my phone to the eyepiece. Long shot, but can anyone tell me what it is? 

 

Was the object below and to the right a physical object? Because Venus has no moon.

Edited March 26, 2020 by AJD_OFFICIAL

[RT65CB-SWL]

Hi @AJD_OFFICIAL and welcome to SGL.

 

[JOC]

1 hour ago, AJD_OFFICIAL said:

Was the object below and to the right a physical object? Because Venus has no moon.

it might have been a spec of dust flaring on the camera

[Ships and Stars]

Because it's so bright, perhaps try Venus with a lunar ND filter if you have one. Mine cuts the glare and lets me resolve it much easier.