Bright thing in the sky

[Dan73]

last night at about half 8 quarter to nine i saw i bright point in the sky does anyone know what it was?

Dan:headbang:

[Demonperformer]

If it was on the (north)western horizon, it was probably Venus

[Dan73]

really? does it look good through a scope?

Dan

[brantuk]

If you get another good view of it tonight look for a smaller dot of light just behind it immediately after the sun goes down - that'll be mercury

[Dan73]

nice one with my setup will it look any good?

[Chris H]

Last night with my 10" dob both looked very bright and you could make out they were planets, you could see the phase of Venus (just like the moon when its not full) but Mercury was just a small bright dot. But Mercury is pretty small and very close to the sun so its pretty amazing and quite rare just to see that. Hope you get a clear sky again this evening, set up your scope and have a look.

[yankeepants]

First night ever with a telescope and I managed to get a great look at Mercury, Venus and a good long look at Mars.

You have got to love this hobby.

[Rui]

In late September it will be around 40" and displaying a thin crescent.

That will be a nice show. Unfortunately it will be as low as it is now, after the sun sets.

[Demonperformer]

In late September it will be around 40" and displaying a thin crescent.

That will be a nice show. Unfortunately it will be as low as it is now, after the sun sets.

But as AN put it, it will "return with a vengeance" in the morning during November and December. Can't wait.

[LukeSkywatcher]

I'm thrilled i have seen Mercury at all. Reading the S@N mag this month i see that it wont be around as it is right now for very long.............a couple of weeks at best.

The weather for the weekend is meant to be really good so hopefully i'll have a chance to observe it again and get a snapshot.