Tom; Do you think that Venus is such an easy crescent in these images because of the light gathering power of a 300mm lens? It is certainly a LOT more than my little eyeball? My old 7X35 binoculars can easily display a smiley face Venus tonight (Tues., June 1, 04), but it does not appear elongated to my naked eye. Steve Coe Author "Deep Sky Observing--The Astronomical Tourist" Saguaro Astronomy Club website www.saguaroastro.org -- See message header for info on list archives or unsubscribing, and please send personal replies to the author, not the list.