Venus - September 3, 2015

This image of Venus during its waxing crescent phase was taken at the Public Observatory at noon on September 3, 2015. Venus has just passed between the Earth and the Sun.

When Venus passes between the Earth and the Sun, it is closest to Earth. At that point, we see Venus as a waxing or waning crescent. It appears much bigger as a crescent than when we see it during its gibbous phase. That's because during its gibbous phase, Venus is on the opposite side of the Sun! Venus appears as much as six times wider across during its crescent phase than during its gibbous phase.

Telescope: 4" finderscope on main telescope

Camera: Lumenera SKYnyx 2-2M