Crescent Moon and Mercury in Volcanic Sunset

On Sunday 7th July, the young 2.6% illuminated Waxing Crescent Moon and Mercury were recorded descending and setting in another Volcanic Sunset near Transmitter Hill to the WNW of Mutare. In this picture taken at 5.49 pm, just after Mercury first became visible, both moon and planet were difficult to see with the naked eye due to the strong colours of a bright Volcanic Sunset Twilight Arch.

Tripod-mounted Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 in sunset mode.

Image size reduction and minimal application of 'Star Spikes Pro' filter to make Mercury more clearly visible.