Mercury Setting in Late Volcanic Sunset.

On Monday 1st July, clear sky following a spell of cold cloudy weather provided views of Mercury setting in late volcanic sunset mesospheric glow near the steep southern slope of Transmitter Hill in Mutare. This eerie glow is quite distinct from the brighter colours produced in the Volcanic Sunset Twilight Arches which appear earlier after sunset and originate from reflections of light from lower level stratospheric aerosols. Material including moisture ejected into the mesosphere by the massive Hunga Tonga eruption two and a half years ago is now also believed https://www.spaceweather.com/archive.php?view=1&day=30&month=06&year=2024 to be responsible for producing the unexpected displays of noctilucent clouds currently being observed from Europe.

Tripod-mounted Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 camera in night scenery mode.

Composite of two 4 second time-exposures taken 6 minutes apart.