Venus and the 37 Hour Moon
At Table Mountain Observatory , near Wrightwood California, USA on October 26, wild fires were approaching from the east. But looking toward the west just after sunset , astronomer James Young could still enjoy this comforting view of a young crescent Moon and brilliant Venus through the the fading twilight. Setting over the horizon of Mt. Baden-Powell, the thin crescent was only about 37 hours “old”, or 37 hours after its exact New Moon phase . After disappearing from morning twilight in August, Venus was becoming prominent in its role in western skies as the evening star . A similar lovely pairing of thin crescent Moon and stunning evening star can be seen toward the west in today's evening twilight . Happy Holidays and Best Wishes from APOD !