The evening of 11 May 2013 presented an assortment of visual treats in the night sky. In the evening twilight the planets Venus and Jupiter clustered around the thin crescent of the moon. With one planet above and one below it was a delightful sight.
Details: ISO 200; f/2.8; 28mm; 1/8 second.
As the sky darkened it was possible to photograph the fading Comet C/2011 L4 PanSTARRS, located near the constellation Cepheus. The combination of several short exposures stacked together allowed the faint glow of the comet to appear. This was photographed using a fixed tripod and an 85mm/f1.8 lens. No telescope required.
Details: ISO 1600; f/1.8; 85mm; 10x4s.
As twilight faded the celestial objects sank lower in the sky until Venus set behind the distant hills. As the moon began to follow, the dark sky allowed the zodiacal light to shine upwards providing illumination around the planet Jupiter.
Details: ISO 3200; f/2.8; 28mm; 8 seconds.
The planets Jupiter and Venus will draw closer together over the coming weeks and this should present many great photographic opportunities.
I like the blue lake and sky with the Moon, Jupiter, and Venus. Jan
This is one of my favorite locations for photographing the western sky. Lots of birds nest here making it a great place for birders as well.