Feb. 20 & 21 - Moon, Venus, Mars

Good day.

Mark your calendar for a celestial viewing and photo opportunity on February 20 2015 and February 21 2015.

On Feb. 20 the crescent moon, Venus, and Mars will form a tight group (3° or less) in the western sky just after sunset. The crescent moon will present the illuminated portion pointing downward and the "horns" pointing upward as is usual during the winter/spring.

On Feb, 21 the crescent moon will have moved higher in the sky in relation to Venus and Mars but the group will still only occupy ~13° (a little more than a handsbreadth) which may make an even better image depending on your tastes. On this day Venus and Mars make their closest approach in years.

Here's a link to an article with visual representation:
[link to earthsky.org]

Get those cams and tripods ready and hope for clear skies.

Have fun.


R.