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Got a great view and a great image: http://www.astrobin.com/169175/

Viewed from Joshua Tree National Forest, along with Jupiter and the three other Galilean moons.

Viewed from Joshua Tree National Forest, along with Jupiter and the three other Galilean moons.

Viewed from Joshua Tree National Forest, along with Jupiter and the three other Galilean moons.

Viewed from Joshua Tree National Forest, along with Jupiter and the three other Galilean moons.

We observed Venus during a camping trip to Joshua Tree National Park. Venus was an evening star shining brightly over the western horizon, which was a beautiful volcanic ridge covered in shrubs and cactus.

The question was raised: "how would you prove the earth is not the center of the universe?" and we discussed the phase of Venus. Turns out it is impossible for Venus to show the full phases that we observe yet have rotating around the earth. Here's a great animation:

Ptolemaic venus animati...

Quick observation of Jupiter from Joshua Tree National Park, California. The moon was at 85% so the glare stopped us from observing much else. Not to mention the dust was terrible, so I felt better with the dust cap on the telescope.

Bands were clearly visible, as were the moons. No transits. Too much glare to resolve the red spot, though it was earth visible.

Large and bright open cluster. Fully resolved.