Up at 6 am two days ago, I looked out the front window. The sky barely showed a glow from the Sun at the horizon. I looked up to see the thin crescent of the waning Moon.
Tuesday 27 Sep 2016
I wondered if the next morning would show a thinner crescent. It was not to be. The cut-off low over the Great Lakes dragged low clouds across our area. I hoped for clear skies the day after that.
This morning I went to the same window at 6 am. I could see the sky was very clear. Where was the Moon? Maybe it was behind that tree in the neighbor’s yard. I carried the camera and tripod to the driveway. There it was, very low, close to the horizon, peeking around that tree. And, there was Mercury near it. What a good way to start the day.
Wednesday 29 Sep 2016
A thin 2% illumination with a side of Mercury
What does October have in store for sky viewing? Watch this video to find out.
How I See It 
I always enjoy the little slivers of moon as much as a full moon. While not moon and planets related, I was out very early a few days ago, and the stars were as bright and clear as I’ve seen them for months — maybe even months and months. The only explanation I could come up with was that our humidity had dropped because of a so-so cool front, but it really was wonderful to be able to see them that way.
That has happened here, too. The air is very clear and transparent. This morning the moon was quite low toward the horizon. It was as clear and non-hazy as I’ve ever seen it. This evening just after sunset I noticed the same thing.
I like these, specially the color on the last image.
Wonderful shots Jim! And Mercury, fantastic! Poor weather here. Socked in. Missed all the Northern Lights everybody has been talking about. I knew I could count on you. Take care. Bob
Thanks. We got a break with perfect weather. Socked in today, tho. I heard about the lights. Nothing here to see. 😦
Great photos! Thanks for sharing. We’ve been under a thick blanket of overcast for what seems like a year lately. I was hoping to get a chance to see the Moon and Mercury, too, but no luck.
We will try to send some clearing weather your way.