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 animation

We observed Venus and it showed a phase, about 75%. Although that phase could show in a geocentric model, we left it at that.

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Venus

Venus
  • Observed with: Orion 10'' SkyQuest dobsonian
  • Seeing: average
  • Light pollution: above average