Moon and Mercury setting next to the Griffith Observatory

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Someone out that way can check the almanac to see what time that was. That's a good view of Mercury across all those city lights and so close to the horizon.

Reposted by Okay Hat
https://bsky.app/profile/kenwhite.bsky.social

Joaquín Baldwin
‪@joabaldwin.com‬

Moon and Mercury setting next to the Griffith Observatory just moments ago. Found a good spot to take photos.
#Photography #Astrophotography

Photo of a big new moon on the top-left of frame, shot at 500mm, with a red dot in the center of frame (Mercury) and the Griffith Observatory on the bottom-right corner.
ALT
10:49 PM · Feb 18, 2026

Moon and Mercury setting next to the Griffith Observatory just moments ago. Found a good spot to take photos.
#Photography #Astrophotography

— Joaquín Baldwin (@joabaldwin.com) 2026-02-19T03:49:09.302Z

[johnnyfins]

1. NOT Mercury.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

2. Jupiter? (I don't want to have to dig up the rising and setting times for planets and stars.)

Thanks for the added info. More here:

https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/night/usa/los-angeles

Says moon set 7:12 p.m. on the 18th. Mercury set at 7:07 p.m. on the 18th.

AFAIK, timestamps on sheets are adjusted to reflect the viewer's timezone. For me, that's Eastern time. Add three hours to Pacific time.

Mercury is a tough one for me to see. I live in an urban area. It takes dedication.

And good morning.