Crescent Moon, Venus During Daylight

October 10, 2010

LUNA&VENUSin Daylight 
Photographer: Manuel Castillo Vela 
Summary Author: Manuel Castillo Vela; Jim Foster

At first glance, only a few fair weather, cumulus clouds and a flock of migrating storks are noticeable on the above photo, captured from Chiclana de la Frontera, Spain on September 11, 2010. However, if you look closely, both the crescent Moon and Venus (approximately 50 percent illuminated) can be discerned. The young Moon (just one day old) and Venus are separated by less than two degrees. What makes the picture particularly interesting is that it was taken in the middle of the day -- 2:30 p.m. When Venus is at its brightest it can be detected, if you know where to look, when the Sun is well above the horizon. The slender Moon is at the center of the frame and Venus is the speck just above it and slightly to the left. Compare with the Earth Science Picture of the Day for September 30, 2010, which was taken approximately six hours later.