Mercury Setting
Taken by Helio C. Vital on April 15, 2016 @
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Camera Used: Unavailable Unavailable Exposure Time: Unavailable Aperture: Unavailable ISO: Unavailable Date Taken: Unavailable |
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Details:
The animated gif shows Mercury setting over Rio`s North-northeast horizon from 21:07 to 21:17 UT. Comprising 36 shots, it shows the planet gradually descending from 5° to 3° elevation as it became dimmer and the sky background darkened. Intervening layers of dust, accumulated during several days without rain, further added to the strong atmospheric extinction near the end of the path. Contrast was poor and at no time could I spot it with my naked eye this evening. Note the angle between the path of the planet and the vertical, corresponding to Rio`s 23° latitude South. Also shown, are two additional photos of the elusive planet. This elongation is not favorable for observers in the Southern Hemisphere because the ecliptic is very inclined to the North at sunset.
Photographer's website:
http://https://www.flickr.com/photos/98669508@N03/
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