After superior conjunction (March 26, 2021), Venus slowly emerges into the western evening sky during bright twilight. The closest Venus – moon grouping occurs on May 12. Venus is moving eastward in Taurus.
Venus as an Evening Star, semi-technical summary
On April 19, Venus sets at Civil Twilight, when the sun is only 6° below the horizon at 30 minutes after sunset. During the next few evenings, begin looking for Venus about 2° above the west-northwest horizon at about 20 minutes after sunset. Use a binocular to first locate it. It is making its first evening appearance of this apparition.
On May 12, Venus – about 5° up in the west-northwest – is 1.2° to the right of the thin crescent moon. This is the closest Venus – moon grouping for this apparition.
A few nights later, on May 16, Venus – 6.0° up in the west-northwest – is 5.7° to the upper right of Aldebaran. This is a challenging observation as the star is only 3.0° in altitude. Use a binocular to see the scene.
On May 21, Venus sets at Nautical Twilight, when the sun is 12° below the horizon at 74 minutes after sunset.
Venus as an Evening Star Article
Super Martian Volcanic Eruptions
Newly released analysis from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter shows that the Arabia Terra region on Mars experienced powerful volcanic eruptions.
2021, September 30: Morning Moon, Gemini Twins
September 30, 2021: An hour before sunrise, the crescent moon is near the Gemini Twins.
2021, September 29: Gemini Moon, Evening Planet Pack
September 29, 2021: The thick crescent moon is in the southeast before sunrise, approaching the middle of Gemini. The evening planet pack is visible after sunset.
2021, September 28: Morning Moon, Evening Planets
September 28, 2021: This morning the moon, as it approaches its Last Quarter phase, is high in the south at the Gemini – Taurus border. The evening planet pack – Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn – brightly shine after sunset.
2021, September 27: Moon Between the Horns, Evening Planet Pack
September 27, 2021: Before sunrise this morning, the bright moon seems caught between the horns of Taurus, Elnath and Zeta Tauri. The planet pack, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn, are visible after sundown.
Categories: Astronomy, Sky Watching
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