On the morning of April 24, Venus will be shining brilliantly in the pre-dawn sky. Later in the year, it will climb all the way to -4.4 for none other than its recent transition from a prominent evening star, where it previously bedazzled sky watchers 67 days prior. The celestial dance of Venus has mesmerized stargazers and astronomers from time immemorial. As it continues its orbit around the sun, its visibility from Earth has gotten significantly better.
Venus passed Earth on March 22 as the former completed one of its own 225-Earth-day long circuits around the sun. This complex maneuver enabled Venus to slip in between the Earth and sun. For a few weeks it was hidden from sight, lost in the sun’s brilliant luminosity. Now, as it reemerges, Venus has the familiar crescent shape, a look produced by its own orbit around the sun. On April 24, it will be a 23%-illuminated crescent, allowing a fabulous view for those prepared with telescopes.
Look for Venus high above the eastern horizon at dawn, dominating the sky through late April. Today, it is better known as the “Morning Star,” since it appears in the east just before sunrise. Its close proximity to Earth has played a huge role in its brightness, allowing the planet to be a treat even for casual observers. On April 25, an additional celestial highlight will be visible: an 8%-illuminated crescent moon positioned just below Venus, creating a picturesque scene for sky watchers.
All month long in April you’ll find Saturn glimmering in the sky, just below Venus. This will produce a fascinating counterpoint to the dazzling beauty of its sister world. So, keep an eye out for Venus’ bright appearance in the night sky over the coming months. It will be at least as bright on September 22, 2026.
October is packed with amazing celestial activity! On May 24, Venus will be at its brightest, magnitude -4.2 and 45% illuminated. This deepens the story of how volatile the planet’s visibility and relationship to Earth has been. As Earth orbits the sun over its longer 365-day cycle, Venus’s position shifts accordingly, allowing it to undertake Earth’s orbit before moving away.
Before Earth, Venus was the star of night sky as “Evening Star” before renouncing her glamourous ways to join Earth on March 22. On February 16, it hit an astonishing -4.6. This fluctuation in brightness and appearance is a testament to the intricate movements of celestial bodies in our solar system.
