July 5, 2025: Venus passes the Pleiades star cluster in a wide conjunction this morning in the eastern sky.
by Jeffrey L. Hunt
Chicago, Illinois: Sunrise, 5:23 a.m. CDT; Sunset, 8:28 p.m. CDT. Check local sources for sunrise and sunset times. Times are calculated by the US Naval Observatory’s MICA computer program.
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Venus Summary Article
VENUS AS A MORNING STAR, 2025
Venus-Pleiades Conjunction
Before sunrise, brilliant Venus passes the Pleiades star cluster in a wide conjunction. Step outside and look eastward at least an hour before sunrise. Venus is “that bright star” about 20° above the horizon. At this level of twilight, you might be able to see the star cluster, resembling a miniature dipper, to the upper left.
The star Aldebaran, Taurus’ brightest, is 9.7° to the brilliant planet’s lower left. Its rosy color blends with the reds and oranges of morning twilight, camouflaging the star as it makes its first morning appearance across the mid-northern latitudes.
Binocular View Includes Planet Uranus
Use a binocular to see the star cluster, also known as the Seven Sisters, 6.6° to Venus’ upper left. Venus and the stellar bundle are on opposite sides of the field of view, a very snug fit.
In the binocular’s field, look for planet Uranus, showing as an aquamarine star, to Venus’ upper left. It is about the same brightness as 13 Tauri (13 Tau on the chart) and 14 Tauri (14 Tau).
Saturn in Southeast before Daybreak
This morning, Saturn – considerably dimmer than Venus, though the brightest star in its immediate vicinity – is less than halfway from the southeast horizon to overhead. Look for Deneb Kaitos – Cetus’ tail – about midway from the horizon to the Ringed Wonder.
Each morning, look for Venus to appear farther eastward against Taurus’ rich star fields.
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