While waiting for the moths to come, I photographed the conjunction of Jupiter, the crescent moon and Venus, spread out between the constellations of Leo and Gemini.
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Jupiter (above the moon). the Moon (over exposed) and Venus, to the right. |
Later, at 22:59:36, I got this poor image of the same conjunction with an iridium flare.
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An Iridium Flare and Venus in Gemini. What sort of horoscope would that produce? |
The moth highlights of the evening had to be these two beauties:
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Lime Hawk-moth |
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This Eyed Hawk-moth wouldn't stay still and was constantly fluttering its wings, as it warmed up its flight muscles. |
I also had a few bats. all of which were Pips, some on 45 and at least one on 55. Would the latter be Soprano, Mike?
At one point, there was a large splash from the river, which was probably an incautious Mallard being taken by one of the Cynon Giant Sticklebacks; voracious predators of waterfowl on the river here.
Although low on moths looks like a cracking night, I still remember scoping the rings of Saturn with yourself and Connelly, while we should have been looking for GCN ( got them as well that night if my memory serves me well). I haven't had either hawk-moth since June 2013, both in my garden of all places. Re: the Soprano probably ok (44-48 common, 52-63 soprano, 49-51 pip sp). I say probable because I think best practice will soon dictate that, at least for planning applications, all id's will need to be supported by sonogram analysis. Re: the horoscope; venus in gemini with an iridium flare, I believe this to be an indication that Wales is soon to be twinned with North Korea. Also the splash heard, I believe this to be a 'disappointed dogger', checking out the light and thinking; oh no not him again. See you, when are we doing nightjar along the ridge?
ReplyDeleteThanks for that Mike. As for the NJ, I suggest leaving it a week or so, for the weather to hopefully warm up and the birds to become more active.
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