Very thin crescent

[Starman]

I found myself trying to capture more and more waning Moon phases from the last quarter Moon on the 17th July. I do have a capture for the 18th but seeing was poor and the result rather messes up the sequence to be honest. I might have another go at it later. Anyway here's the full sequence capture up to a very difficult thin crescent on the 23rd July which was hampered with criss-crossing clouds.

http://www.digitalsky.org.uk/l2006/lunarphases_july_2006-fullsize.jpg

Now, I thought the 23rd would be the end of the story, however...

This morning I got up early and took a look into the north-east. I was somewhat surprised to see lots of clouds around. I decided to hang on and keep an eye on what was happening. I knew the Moon was in there somewhere but I couldn't see any stars to find my way around. I saw Venus and decided to set up my telescope in my front garden, just in case. At 04h00m UT I was tired and on the verge of giving up. I still couldn't see stars but could see things around me in the garden very clearly as the dawn was advancing fast. Suddenly, between two thick cloud banks, I picked up a thin white line in my binoculars and sprung into action...

A few tense moments when I had to move the telescope to avoid a lamp post and a few snips at a straggly bush in the front garden (which now has a rectangular section taken out of it!) and I had the faint crescent in my finder. Moments later, there it was on my computer screen - a sight as beautiful as any I've ever seen in the sky. Small distant birds were flying across the giant crescent - an awesome sight. Here's the end result...

[geppetto]

Stunning image Pete 8)

A real sight for sore eyes

[FLO]

Beautiful 8)

[daz]

A great image Pete, and the mosaic looks fantastic too!

[Astroman]

Fantastic, Pete!

Reminds me of a "contest" a few observing buddies have had over the years-How "new" is new, and how "old" is old? Sky and Telescope magazine ran an article late last year or early this about finding the newest and oldest Moons. I believe the record is still held by my departed friend Pierre Schwar at 11.3 hours. (Pierre also video taped Mercury less than 1 degree from Major Conjunction! Amazing observer. Wild man.)

[Starman]

Haven't quite been as brave as getting Mercury 1 degree from the Sun during a major conjunction (yet!). My best so far is this one...

[Astroman]

Ooh! That's nice too. I saw this, but didn't image it. Came close, though.

[OXO]

Excellent images as always Pete well done

[FLO]

Way to go Pete!

Its featured today on LPOD

http://www.lpod.org/?cat=1

[russ]

Both stunning images although the Venus image is absolutely superb.

Russ

[The Warthog]

Excellent images! I'd probably go blind if I tried that.