The Moon and Venus

[Dave2002]

If the virus did jump from a bat, it was not the bat's choice. It was in the market as food, to be killed on demand. Bats are far too well equipped with echolocation to accidentally get close to a human.

They are remarkable creatures. Many years ago I was sharing a house with some others. One of my friends noticed a bat fly through the fan vent in the kitchen - I think the fan was running at the time. The bat did this repeatedly Out of devilment or maybe scientific curiosity, my friend changed the speed on the fan. The bat never had a problem. It either got through the rotating fan, or aborted its journey if it decided it wasn't going to get through. They really can react very fast indeed.

However, they can spread diseases - though not necessarily viruses. Bat faeces are not to be meddled with.

[gurnemanz]

Sorry to keep resurrecting this topic, but maybe we need some beauty in our lives. Early this evening, a wisp of a new moon was lying on its back and tinted orange as it slid towards the horizon. Above it Venus was as bright as it could be. Then the magic. Seen from where I was standing, a bat was flitting back and forth on a path between the two. And I didn't have to leave home to see it!

We saw saw that very slim moon when we went out to clap the NHS at 8pm. I can't remember ever seeing one quite like it. No bats visible but someone in the vicinity let off a rocket.

[Edgy 2]

International Space Station was visible just to the left of Venus here at 8:27 pm for about 3 mins.

[Count Boso]

Nothing to do with the moon and Venus, but those with an interest in things astronomical might be interested to see this picture sent to me by a Norwegian niece.

A prize winner, that one! I know nothing of astronomy and have been meaning to text my neighbour to ask what the planet was. I don't think I've ever seen one so 'large' and bright. I thought it must be a visiting starship.

[ardcarp]

I checked with Stellarium ( free download if people don't know about it)

Thanks for the tip about Stellarium. I've got the Sky Guide App. It's rather clever. You just point your phone at the bit of sky you want to see and it shows and names all the stars, planets, constellations and satellites. You get some discreet mood music too!

Not sure I'm desperate to see bats right now

As someone has already said, it's not the bats' fault. I don't want to sound like Trump by dissing the Chinese, but I must say the trapping and selling of any old wild animal in a food market is a bit offside.

[DracoM]

Venus big last night on my midnight walk under best stars for ages.

[Dave2002]

Another Moon/Venus opportunity - though maybe yesterday was better - the day before probably better still. I didn't photograph them this time. Visible at just before 10pm.

[ardcarp]

Another Moon/Venus opportunity - though maybe yesterday was better - the day before probably better still. I didn't photograph them this time. Visible at just before 10pm.

Yes it was fantastic..and for some bizarre reason I mentioned it on the Stormy Weather II thread. [Post #4891 ]

[johncorrigan]

Couldn't think where to put this, but since it mentions the Moon, I thought I'd post it here. During a night of sleep interruptions, I was browsing through the London Review of Books and came across this enjoyable wee poem, which I thought I would post for those who enjoy a spot of star gazing.

Quo Vadimus (Siriusly) by Reneau H Reneau

Twinkle, twinkle little star

farther off than Zanzibar;

blazing away your effulgent existence

at 2.64 parsecs distance



How I wonder what you are,

incandescently bizarre;

invoking cosmic mystery

did he who made the Moon make thee?



Up above the world so high,

beneath Orion's heedless eye;

olfactory member, Canis Major

(Zodiacal nomenclature)



Like a diamond in the sky,

hard to human hue and cry;

observing hotly human passion

in a cool and distant fashion.

[ardcarp]

Nice bit of wordery! I'd just mention that sometimes the moon appeas below Canis Major and sometimes above...but I'm being far too literal and not literary enough.

One of the most fabulous sights is when a new moon pokes just above the horizon as seen out at sea. Wish I could write a poem about it....