Re: [Utah-astronomy] Obs Notes: Venus and Mercury at sunset 8-17 to 8-23

Watched Venus and Mercury on night of 8/18 for a just a few minutes at 8:44 MDT, about 20 minutes after local sunset with 20x70 binos. Both Venus and Mercury have moved further from the Sun and Mercury has much improved contrast with a telescopic view. Mercury is not visible naked-eye. Both are visible within about 1.2 degs or one ep view. Looks like Mercury will overtake Venus on 8/21 and be in oonjunction. 8/19 was clouded out. - Kurt