I just love Moon and Planet conjunctions, and I just love early morning photography. When the two combine that’s when I hope to create something special. On the morning of the 23rd February, a beautiful conjunction rose in the pre-dawn sky. The Crescent Moon with earthshine on display shone brilliantly in the East as it was joined by three other celestial bodies, Mercury, Jupiter and Mars to give a sense of depth and feeling to the morning skies.

For ages last night I sat in bed wondering where to go to photograph this marvellous sight… wondering if it would be cloudy, would it be clear, would the skies provide the same dramatic scenery as I was presented for the Smiley Face Conjunction, would I remember the spare batteries, my tripod, the remote switch, would the alarm wake me up or would I sleep through it?!

Luckily, everything came together for a beautiful morning of photography and I was able to capture some stunning images of the Moon, Jupiter, Mercury and Mars conjunction.

Attached is one of my favourite shots from the session - please click the link below to see all the images and read more about my morning.

Photos of the Moon, Jupiter, Mercury and Mars Conjunction

Thanks for looking.

Attached Images

20090223-moon-mercury-jupiter-mars7-700px.jpg (94.0 KB, 52 views)

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Mike
. mikesalway.com.au - Astronomy and Photography by Mike Salway
. IceInSpace - The Australian Amateur Astronomy Community
. My Bio | My Jupiter 2007 Gallery | My Image Gallery

Mike,

That is a truly lovely shot! Really a work of art.

--Andy

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Observatorio de la Ballona

I saw it yesterday morning just before dawn. Your photo truly is beautiful and such a different perspective than mine here in the northern hemisphere. Good work!

Awesome picture perfect view of the planetary conjuntion....very nice!

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Best Regards,
John Chumack
The Chumack Observatories
MPC 838 Dayton Research Station
MPC H66 Yellow Springs Research Station
www.galacticimages.com

Very Beautiful compositions of different views and scenes Mike, Very beautiful morning colors about rise. Welldone and Clear Skies my friend.

Many thanks guys.

Here's a couple of extra shots for people that prefer to view them here rather than at the link.

Attached Images

	20090223-moon-mercury-jupiter-mars10-700px.jpg (88.9 KB, 15 views)
	20090223-moon-mercury-jupiter-mars1-700px.jpg (93.3 KB, 17 views)

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Mike
. mikesalway.com.au - Astronomy and Photography by Mike Salway
. IceInSpace - The Australian Amateur Astronomy Community
. My Bio | My Jupiter 2007 Gallery | My Image Gallery

Brilliant stuff Mike!

Thanks!!

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1·618033988749894848204586834365638117720309179805 76286213544862270526046281890244970720720418939113 74

You are an inspiration.
Great pics.

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This whole internet thing is probably not a passing fad.-Ronald Brak
While speech might be free, consequences cost.-Doodler

Aah! Bliss Mike! Lovely captures!

I love the 'reflection' image in the second set of pictures. so serene.

Thanks Mike, for sharing your contemplation, fears, alarms about alarms, perseverence, diligence and that magic touch in producing these beauties.

Hi to all the family, too! Have a lovely rest of the summer!

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clear skies

If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe. CARL SAGAN

Mak: Pass the pepperoni please.
Fazor: "Hail, Bautainia! We pledge our hearts to thee! Science and woo, some babbling too, and astron-oh-meee!"
slang: And it made ash out of yew and tree.
Nicolas: ......you get somebody to yell "two engines, moron" at you... :D

Mike,

Are you going to get a photo or two of the crescent Moon and Venus Friday evening, Feb 27th?

(I have to live vicariously through the photos taken by others.)

Those are just beautiful! and what a great setting for the pictures.
Fantastic job!

Thanks guys, your comments are appreciated

Tim - I just had a look at Starry night - You're right, there's a reasonable moon/venus conjunction on Saturday night (in Australia). If I can find a spot with a good westerly view during happy hour at home, i'll see if I can snap a pic or two

Cheers

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Mike
. mikesalway.com.au - Astronomy and Photography by Mike Salway
. IceInSpace - The Australian Amateur Astronomy Community
. My Bio | My Jupiter 2007 Gallery | My Image Gallery

Thanks and Good Luck. Sorry, I forgot that you guys are across the date line.

Hello Mike:
Congratulations by the obtaining of the APOD of today.
The photographies are deserving, by much, of that distinction.
Many greetings from Mexico
Cesar

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http://www.astrophoto.com.mx

Lovely!

Mike!
It was all written with the photons you captured. The way they are laid out!

Congratulations for another APOD! It was pretty inevitable!
I agree with mexhunter / Cesar!

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clear skies

If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe. CARL SAGAN

Mak: Pass the pepperoni please.
Fazor: "Hail, Bautainia! We pledge our hearts to thee! Science and woo, some babbling too, and astron-oh-meee!"
slang: And it made ash out of yew and tree.
Nicolas: ......you get somebody to yell "two engines, moron" at you... :D

Thanks guys, it was quite a thrill to be acknowledged with another APOD.

It makes the early mornings and lack of sleep all worthwhile.

I appreciate your comments.

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Mike
. mikesalway.com.au - Astronomy and Photography by Mike Salway
. IceInSpace - The Australian Amateur Astronomy Community
. My Bio | My Jupiter 2007 Gallery | My Image Gallery

great work mike. your work is astounding! the second image with the reflection is a work of art! well worth the long hours i say. looking forward to seeing your future work!

The second shot is my favourite too its beautiful

Fantastic pictures Mike!! I'd love a framed one of the reflection one, its so tranquil, i love it.

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ooops..... wrong forum!!!

Mike those are beautiful!