Morning Trio

This view greeted us low on the eastern horizon during Bentley’s early-morning walk at 6 AM. The Moon is in a Waning Crescent phase (nearing the end of the lunar cycle before the upcoming New Moon) with only ~2%–4% Illumination. Venus shines above and slightly to the left as a brilliant morning star in a rare pre-dawn celestial gathering. The bright star Spica (in Virgo) sits just a couple of degrees away, forming a tight trio. A few wispy clouds are visible where Venus shines through.

I made this photo with my phone at maximum zoom on a one-minute exposure. I was surprised it turned out as well as it did.