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Flamsteed Astronomy Society |
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Now you see it, now you don’t! |
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We had high hopes for a good view of the occultation. (An occultation happens when one astronomical object, most often the Moon, appears to cover-up another, in this case the planet Venus). Despite poor weather forecasts earlier, the morning of December 1st had been surprisingly clear. As we gathered at the ROG about 3:15pm, the clouds were rolling up — of course. Murphy’s Law in action. And yet... and yet... with the moment of occultation due at 3:47pm, by 3:40 we had an excellent view of Venus within a whisker of the Moon’s dark limb (see picture R). Quite a thrill to see Venus and the Moon in a pale blue sky. At 3:43 the clouds rolled in and that was that. Still clouded out at 5:12pm when Venus re-emerged. There you go! Why astronomy is not boring! MRD |
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Venus within a whisker of the Moon’s limb by Tony Sizer, about 3:40pm UT December 1, 2008 |
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Great Expectations. About 3:40pm — a super view of Venus and the Moon in a pale blue sky. The ROG group prepares [Pic Mike Dryland] |
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3:45pm — Totally clouded out. Roger bangs his head in despair! Why astronomy is not boring ... [Pic Mike Dryland] |
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Occultation of Venus by the Moon — December 1, 2008
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