The 1986 eastern (evening) apparition of the planet Venus - Visual and photographic observations

This report summarizes visual and photographic observations of the planet Venus for the 1986 eastern (evening) apparition, based on an extensive analysis of data submitted by ALPO Venus Section observers in the U.S. and three other countries. Sources of data and the instruments used in acquiring information about Venus are emphasized, with a statistical analysis of the categories of features seen or suspected in the atmosphere of Venus at visual wavelengths, both in integrated light and with color filters. A similar treatment is given to the cusps, cusp-caps, and cusp-bands, together with a discussion of dark-hemisphere phenomena, including the ashen light. 5 refs