I know some of the HAA members ventured out to Binbrook tonight to enjoy the scenery and the clear skies to watch the 3 planet conjunction. Tonight is the night that the 3 planets (Venus, Jupiter and Mercury) form a perfect triangle. But the conjunction has been visible for several nights and will remain visible for a couple of more (if weather permits) – though the ideal triangle shape won’t be there. However they are within 5 degrees of each other low in the western sky shortly after sunset.

I visually saw the conjunction last night from my backyard so tonight I decided to take some pictures from my deck. Here is what I consider to be the best of my bunch. As you can see, you don’t have to travel to enjoy astronomy. Often your backyard is good enough. Just remember to look up once in a while.

(click on image to enlarge in new window)

Lower right is Venus (brightest), to the left is Jupiter (next brightest) and to the top right is Mercury.