Mercury, Venus, and Chocolate-Covered Easter Eggs

No fooling: Mercury and Venus are doing a dance low in the Western sky in the hours just after sunset for the next few weeks. But fleet-footed Mercury moves quickly and will quickly dim and move closer into the bright twilight glow, so the best viewing of this meet-up will be this weekend.

For a full explanation we can turn to Jack Horkheimer, Star Hustler*! Here is his full-length program for the week of March 29 through April 4:


(For those with short attention spans, click here for the one-minute version.)

You can also get more information from the websites of the magazines Sky & Telescope and Astronomy.

Too late to catch Mercury and Venus? After ten o'clock or so turn to the Northeast and notice the bright star just clearing the horizon there. That is Vega, a strange and beautiful star. It's worth reading up on it.


Meanwhile, in non-astronomical news, this is what I'll be working on tonight:

Chocolate-covered Easter Eggs
Eggs:
1 1/2 sticks butter
8 oz. package cream cheese
Add at least 2 boxes of powdered sugar a little at a time
(you'll need a third box to add powdered sugar to thicken the batter after you've added the flavorings)

Mix all ingredients together well.

Divide and add as desired:
- coconut & vanilla
- peanut butter
- walnuts & maple flavoring
- well-drained (almost dry) chopped cherries & almond flavoring
NOTE: If eggs are too sweet, add a pinch of salt.

Chocolate coating:
Melt large package chocolate chips & 1/2 cake of wax in double boiler.

Shape cream cheese mixture into eggs and dip in melted chocolate. Place on waxed paper to set.
NOTE: Do not allow eggs to touch while chocolate is setting or some of the coating will peel away. Save leftover chocolate for patching holes.

Decorate with icing leaves and color-coded icing flowers.




*He used to be the Star Hustler, but now goes by the appellation "Star Gazer." Seems that some Internet filters were blocking the Star Hustler site for some reason. Good thing he didn't go for his first alternate choice, Jack Horkheimer, Stargazing Playboy Gent in a Swank Barely Legal Penthouse!