Old Faithful and Moon-Venus Conjunction

April 10, 2005

Old_faithful-moon-venus-wyoming

Provided and copyright by: Rick Stankiewicz
Summary authors & editors: Rick Stankiewicz

On October 6, 1999, during a trip to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, I was treated to an early morning conjunction of a crescent moon and the planet Venus. The above image shows this conjunction of these two celestial bodies between the silhouettes of the Yellowstone Inn and the steam of the “Old Faithful” geyser. Old Faithful is one of the world’s most famous geysers. Of course, its name comes from its punctuality and predictability. Old Faithful erupts more frequently than other large geysers in Yellowstone Park -- eruptions last anywhere from 1 to 5 minutes, and water and steam are sprayed up to a height of 184 ft (56 m). The average interval of Old Faithful’s eruption is about every 80 minutes. Contrary to popular belief, Old Faithful isn't the largest geyser in the park. This distinction belongs to Steamboat Geyser, which hoists its spray up to 400 ft (122 m) in the air. The world's greatest concentration of geothermal features is located in Yellowstone including not only 250-300 geysers, but hot springs, steam vents and mud pots as well.

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