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What is that bright star in the West?

Writer's picture: Himkaar SinghHimkaar Singh

If you’ve been gazing westward shortly after sunset lately, you may have noticed a particularly bright “star” shining brilliantly as the day fades. It's usually the first point of light to emerge as the sky darkens, standing out so prominently that it captures the attention of both seasoned stargazers and casual observers alike.


But here's the catch: that bright star you’re seeing isn’t actually a star at all—it's Venus!

Picture of Saturn with its rings

Why Is Venus So Bright?

Venus, often called the "Evening Star" when visible after sunset (or the "Morning Star" when it shines before sunrise), is the second planet from the Sun. Its brilliance in the sky is due to several factors:


  1. Proximity to Earth: Venus is relatively close to Earth, allowing it to appear larger and brighter compared to other celestial bodies.

  2. Highly Reflective Atmosphere: Venus is wrapped in thick clouds of sulfuric acid that reflect sunlight efficiently, making it shine even more brightly.

  3. Position in the Sky: When Venus is at its greatest elongation (its farthest point from the Sun as seen from Earth), it appears high in the sky at dusk or dawn, giving us an extended view before it sets.


Why Is Venus Called the “Evening Star”?

Venus’s orbit is closer to the Sun than Earth’s, which means it always appears relatively close to the Sun in our sky. Depending on its position in its orbit, Venus can be seen either in the evening shortly after sunset or in the morning just before sunrise. Right now, it’s making its appearance in the evening, hence its nickname as the “Evening Star.”


Because it’s the brightest natural object in the sky after the Sun and the Moon, Venus is hard to miss. Unlike actual stars, which twinkle due to the Earth's atmosphere, Venus shines with a steady light, making it easy to distinguish.


How Long Can You See Venus in the Evening?

Venus’s visibility changes throughout the year due to its orbit. After appearing as the Evening Star for a few months, it will eventually dip closer to the horizon and disappear as it moves behind the Sun from our vantage point. Then, after some time, it will reappear in the morning sky, reclaiming its title as the Morning Star.

If you haven’t had the chance yet, take a few minutes on a clear evening to look to the west after sunset. That brilliant "star" is Venus, our neighboring planet, making a spectacular appearance in the twilight sky.


Fun Fact: Venus Has Phases!

Much like the Moon, Venus goes through phases as seen from Earth. It can appear full, crescent-shaped, or even new, depending on where it is in its orbit relative to Earth and the Sun. These phases are visible through a telescope, adding another layer of wonder to this dazzling celestial object.


So, next time you spot that bright “star” in the west, you can impress your friends and family by telling them it’s not a star at all—it’s Venus, one of Earth’s closest planetary neighbors, and a stunning fixture in our evening sky!


For private stargazing bookings visit www.telescopenight.co.za or Whatsapp: 069 670 9010

Himkaar Singh – CEO of Telescope Night (Pty) Ltd

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