Around 7:15 PM, I fetched the binoculars and compass from the garage. Started scanning the western sky (around azimuth 264) from the picnic table, first looking for Venus about 15° up. Couldn't find it. Double checked the alt-az in Stellarium and returned outside. Tweaked the cheapo InstaFocus binos. This time, I found Venus. When it wasn't behind wispy clouds.
Once again consulted the software to determine the separation and angle. Looked like the Moon would be about 7° away (one binocular field), to the right, and down slightly. I realised from the backyard that I was out of luck.
Headed over to the school tennis court. Along the way I bumped into Maia, Evan, and Diane playing tennis. I showed Evan Venus naked eye. It was getting bright. He then showed his Mom. Cute! Everyone took a look through the binoculars too.
It wasn't until I went to the middle of the courts that I was able to pick up the Moon! Woot! I got it!
I was surprised by the angle. I was expecting it to be pitched more but it seemed almost horizontal in its orientation. About the only clouds in the sky where right in this area! Made it tough to see in the Bushnell binos. About 5 minutes later I was able to find it naked eye.
This broke my career young Moon sighting (previously 42 hours)! Tonight's Moon was about 27 hours old.
I sent a note to the RASC Toronto Centre listserv... A few other people were trying.
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Check out Steve Irvine's fantastic photo...
Used with permission.
http://www.steveirvine.com/astro/moon_27hrs_ven.html
Beautiful clear skies. Just the right exposure.
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