anyone know what that big star is next to the moon right now

[johnnywgk]

As above, cheers

[BertB]

To the right, Venus.

To the left Mars and Neptune.

If you have a smartphone, download Google Sky map.

[SS2.]

Think it might be Venus.

[Dr Jekyll]

The very bright 'star' below the Moon and to the right is Venus, the smaller one above and to the left is Mars.

[mybrainhurts]

[johnnywgk]

Many thanks

[mybrainhurts]

Don't mention it...

[johnnywgk]

Mbh lol, knew you would have the answer. All this Venus stuff just dont do it for me

[mybrainhurts]

Always ask me first...

[maffski]

Surely it's the sun?

[MartG]

Stunning pic taken of the Moon and Venus close together in daylight ( yes, Venus is bright enough to see in the day if you know where to look )

http://www.astroeder.com/digital/venus_fedes/Ven_f...

[MitchT]

BertB said:

If you have a smartphone, download Google Sky map.

Also, try Stellarium. Both smartphone and desktop apps exist.

MartG said:

Stunning pic taken of the Moon and Venus close together in daylight ( yes, Venus is bright enough to see in the day if you know where to look )

http://www.astroeder.com/digital/venus_fedes/Ven_f...

Love that!

[Sylvaforever]

Or but did you know less than 2% of the earth population have ever seen mercury...

[Eric Mc]

The line up looked very spectacular last night.

[RobM77]

Sylvaforever said:

Or but did you know less than 2% of the earth population have ever seen mercury...

How did they arrive at that figure? I'd be surprised if it was that high, as to see Mercury you've really got to know where and when to look and it's not often that the opportunity arises. Surely 1 in 50 people in the world can't be keen enough on astronomy and well enough formed to know? Geeks like me are a tiny minority, surely?

[Eric Mc]

I think I've seen it - once.

[RobM77]

Eric Mc said:

I think I've seen it - once.

Same here. I've been into astronomy since childhood, and did Astrophysics at Uni, so obviously I've been aware of a few opportunities over the years, but only once have I had the horizon for it, the clear sky and remembered! I was at my parents' holiday home in Devon and they have a perfect horizon, as well as a good pair of binoculars always kept there. Given our keen interest I can't believe 1 in 50 people are in the same shoes!

By the way Eric, I bought an Apollo book on your recommendation from a thread years ago and am enjoying it It's the one where various authors involved with Apollo contribute.

[alfie2244]

Not sure I've ever knowingly seen Venus before. Only taken on my Samsung phone from my window so will post here rather than the photography forum.

[AndStilliRise]

I did see something in the sky last night and thought wow! Nice to know it was something official.

[turbobloke]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/01/03/beautif...