FEB 23RD - SUNRISE OVER CAUCASUS MTNS, AND VENUS.

[paulastro]

I put the alarm on at 4.30am to catch the moon just after last quarter, 58.4%,  one of my favourite times to observe it.

Set up outside by 4.50am with the Altair 80 ED-R, mostly using 26mm Orthos and x2 barlow with the binoviewer.

The seeing was not great with the Moon only at an altitude of around 16 degrees.  Non the less, Imbrium, the Apennine Mtns and the sun catching the highest peaks of the the Caucasus Mtns was truly spectacular.  Further south the Southern Highlands were also very impressive.

The single frame and crop below (taken at 4.49am, Olympus E-M5 Mk11), does little justice to the visual feast - but fellow lunarphiles will be well aware of this.

I also observed the 34% crescent Venus, m - 4.6, which was at an altitude of only 5.4 degrees at 5.30 am.  A lovely sight, and on Feb 27th it will have the 15% crescent moon and Mars for company in the dawn sky.

[maw lod qan]

Wonderful images!

I also enjoy viewing when the terminator is along this area.

I wonder if the astronauts had time to take in the wonderful view as they approached their landing spot near Mt. Hadley. 

[rojay]

I happened to be awake at 6 this morning, and i remembered this report, so went and had a peek out of an upstairs window. Had a great view of the waning crescent moon and Venus. I'd forgotten just how bright Venus can be! So thanks @paulastro!