Saturn, Venus and Mercury

0030: Ventured down behind the barn just outside the Lake Wallkill entrance, on the edge of the Wallkill River Nat. Wildlife Reserve looking W/NW across the valley. Mosquitoes very bad, so I stayed in the Jeep much of the time as I waited for twilight. Venus appeared naked-eye just before 9pm (EST Friday). My 10x50 binoculars showed all three planets in the FOV. Jupiter was bright and high in the South. I'd love to set the scope(s) up here some night (after mosquito season); I should probably look into getting permission from the Feds. The actual view is not much different from Starry Night's grass horizon image (see below). I just need to add the High Point Monument.

S&T Article: Three Planets Bunch Up in Twilight

Saturn, Venus and Mercury (l to r)
Castor & Pollux at upper right
25 June 2005 • 0045 UTC
Naked eye view looking W/NW