Hey Space Placers!
Reentering the evening sky to start a new lunation, the thin Moon hangs upper right of Mercury, then upper right of Venus, low in the west-southwestern twilight. Little Spica switches position with respect to them from the 8th to the 9th. (The Moon is drawn three times its actual apparent size.)
Credit: SkyandTelescope.org
If your western sky is clear following sunset tonight, 9/9/21, be sure to look at brilliant Venus and the young Crescent Moon. It will be a lovely sight.
If you have a clear view of W-SW horizon, you may also be able to see bright Mercury and the star Spica as seen in the star chart.
Binoculars will enhance your view and the Moon may show Earthshine which is the faint but easily visible illumination of the Moon's surface that is not in direct sunlight. It is the result of sunlight reflecting off our planet's oceans and clouds. It is a beautiful sight to see.
Earthshine Moon at Sunset
Credit: Greg Redfern
Try taking a picture of this pretty sky sight using any camera. Smart phones, especially the most recent models with zoom lenses, can get great pic. Even the older models do quite well as you can see.
Moon and Venus iPhone 6
Credit: L. Redfern
Enjoy!
Sky Guy in VA
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