December 10, 2024: Venus steps eastward against Capricornus’ stars. It sets later each evening and brightens during the next month.
by Jeffrey L. Hunt
Chicago, Illinois: Sunrise, 7:08 a.m. CDT; Sunset, 4:20 p.m. CST. Check local sources for sunrise and sunset times. Times are calculated by the US Naval Observatory’s MICA computer program.
Venus Steps Eastward
Brilliant Venus shines in the southwestern sky after sunset. During summer, the Evening Star’s appearance suffered from a poor view of the solar system in the western sky after nightfall.
A month ago, Venus passed the ecliptic’s most southerly point – known as the winter solstice where the sun appears at the beginning of the new season. The planet sets two to three minutes later each evening and appears higher in the sky after the sun sets. Tonight, it sets 200 minutes after nightfall.
The planet steps eastward in front of Capricornus. This evening it passes 9.3° to Algedi’s lower left, Capricornus’ head. The star’s name means “the kid.” They are not in the same binocular field this evening and the gibbous moon’s light mutes the dimmer stars in the sky.
The planet steps eastward each night, passing the creature’s tail, Deneb Algedi, on the 27th.
Venus Overtakes Saturn
Venus is overtaking a slow-moving Saturn, nearly 40° to the upper left. When Venus passes the tail star, the gap is nearly half tonight’s separation.
During the next several weeks, Venus sets later and grows in brightness as it overtakes Earth. In a month, Venus sets four hours after sunset. By January 20th, it is 70% brighter than it is tonight.
Brilliant Venus
Venus’ brilliance competes with the bright lights on low flying airplanes. At first glance, it is necessary to watch a passing airplane move through the approach pattern or departure route to tell the difference. Next month, Venus easily outshines the airliners’ lights.
Watch Venus brighten and appear higher in the sky during the next month as it steps eastward against the starfield.
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