Photos of the Moon, Mercury, Jupiter and Mars Conjunction

[iceman]

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 (http://www.mikesalway.com.au/2008/12/02/pictures-of-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 (http://www.mikesalway.com.au/2009/02/23/photos-of-the-moon-jupiter-mercury-mars-conjunction)

Thanks for looking.

[RB]

That's just so beautiful Mike !
Excellent work.

:thumbsup:

[cookie8]

Lovely shot Mike. As always:thumbsup:

[h0ughy]

Wonderful Shot Mike - maybe a DM winner there

[iceman]

Thanks guys - don't forget there's more images at the link (http://www.mikesalway.com.au/2009/02/23/photos-of-the-moon-jupiter-mercury-mars-conjunction) :)

It's so hard choosing a favourite. Everyone I spoke to at work today had a different opinion.

[starfinder]

Beautiful shot, Mike. Your early rise was amply rewarded too! Tranquil setting, very soothing to the eye. Well done. Russ :thumbsup:

[matt]

Beautiful image, Mike.

I enjoyed reading the details of your morning. Well done.

[andrew]

Absolutely lovely shots Mike, very interesting conjunction and add to that the beautiful colours of the sunrise too, simply marvelous :)

[iceman]

Thanks guys, appreciate the comments.

A couple of others for those who prefer the attachments.

[kinetic]

Hi Mike,

that is such beautiful stuff Mike!
I like the first image in your first post plus the first of your
follow up post.
For some reason I think the amount of cloud breaking up the distance
from horizon to the Moon/planets is just right.
It's a composition thing for me.
I'm certainly no expert but I reckon if there was more or any less
cloud...or even none, it just wouldn't be the same image.
Lovely.

Steve

[Matty P]

Amazing images Mike. Very nice indeed. :)

There is nothing better than getting up early and watching the sunrise while listening to the birds sing. If you add a beautiful conjunction to this, well let's just say that combination wouldl put a big smile on my face.

Thanks. :thumbsup:

[sheeny]

Beautiful shots, Mike. Thanks for posting... its been cloudy here...

Al.

[Garyh]

Absolutely gorgeous Mike! Beautifully captured and what a lovely dawn sky!
cheers

[mbaddah]

Wonderful images good stuff Mike :thumbsup:

[Space]

I like it !! In France, they are too cloudy for this conjunction :(...
Thank you for pictures !

Good bye.

[Liz]

Gorgeous shots, thanks Mike

[prokyon]

Wow, that´s a masterpiece! Wonderful pic, the very special constellation and the beautiful landscape.... :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

cheers

werner

[rwong]

Stunning images. What a beautiful conjunction photo!

Thanks for sharing.
:)

[StephenM]

Superb images Mike!

Hard to pick, but I think the reflection image is my favourite.

Cheers,
Stephen

[Analog6]

Just superb.

[Octane]

Mike,

They are so beautiful. The first image is just absolutely stunning.

I was hoping to get up early this morning and head out to Lake George to take photos of the Moon rise as well as the other planets, but, having gone to bed at around 3 AM, it kind of made it a bit difficult to wake up at 4:45 AM and head out for a half-an-hour drive + set up time + capture and then the drive back. :)

Once again, beautiful images!

Regards,
Humayun

[Dennis]

Hi Mike

Those are some of the most beautiful and evocative conjunction photos I have even seen. You have a real talent for this genre – thanks for sharing.

Cheers

Dennis

[lacad01]

Amazing shot, thanks for posting and sets a benchmark to aspire to :thumbsup:

[venus]

Magnificent beauty. I also rose early to view this spectacle at Nobby's Beach. Great to see it captured. Thanks

[rogerg]

Nice shots Mike :thumbsup:

[iceman]

Thanks very much to everyone for their inspiring comments. It really makes me want to get out there and do it all again next time.

Unfortunately I was clouded out for Wednesday mornings triple conjunction, but there's still another chance on April 23rd.

Thanks again.

[rwong]

Congratulations Mike for APOD. An outstanding Aussie photographer/astrophotographer!:eyepop:

[RobF]

Fantastic pics Mike and thanks for showing. Just love the ones with the reflections in the lake's edge. :thumbsup: