This rare and delicate capture reveals Venus as a slender crescent—often called the "sickle of Venus"—gleaming in the blue midday sky. As Venus approaches inferior conjunction, it draws closer to Earth and appears larger in size but increasingly illuminated as a thin arc. Capturing this fleeting phase in daylight requires precise timing, careful planning, and excellent atmospheric conditions.

Photographed in broad daylight, this image highlights the fascinating interplay of light, phase, and geometry in our inner planetary neighbor. It’s a reminder that with the right tools and patience, the wonders of the cosmos can reveal themselves even under the Sun’s glare.

On January 4, 2025, Saturn emerged from behind the Moon in a breathtaking occultation event. Captured at this moment, the southern lunar surface showcases its densely cratered terrain, including striking features such as Clavius and Tycho, whose dramatic shadows accentuate the Moon’s rugged beauty. Saturn, with its iconic ring system tilted gracefully, adds a touch of elegance to this dynamic scene, its golden hue contrasting against the stark, gray lunar surface.

Nearby, the bright star 85 Aquarii adds its light to the composition, a distant companion to this celestial alignment. Such occultations provide a rare and awe-inspiring perspective on the Solar System, illustrating the intricate motions of planetary bodies as viewed from Earth. The juxtaposition of the Moon’s craters, Saturn’s rings, and the distant starlight reminds us of the vast scales and intricate beauty of the universe.

Image Description and Details : This is my lunar mosaic of the waxing gibbous mineral Moon (9.50 days old).
Technical data:
Celestron 114/910 Newton
Planetary camera QHY5L-II-C
Filter UV IR cut
Software: Sharpcap 3.2, Autostakkert! 3.1.4, Astrosurface T5-TITANIA, Autostitch, GIMP
Location: Cabras, Sardinia, Italy

Copyright: Copyright: Roberto Ortu

Image Description and Details : This is my astroimage of the ISS transit in front of the Sun. In addition to the space station, some sunspots are also visible on the right.
Title: The ISS transit in front of the Sun
Technical data:
Celestron 114/910 Newton
Planetary camera QHY5L-II-C
Filter UV -IR cut
Filter Astrosolar
Software: Sharpcap, PIPP, GIMP
Location: Cabras, Sardinia, Italy
Date: 2022 July 26 15:41 UTC

Copyright: Roberto Ortu