Many people have noticed how spectacularly and uniquely large and bright Venus has been appearing in the night sky. It's even more remarkable when you see that it is only a small part of the planet which is reflecting the sun's light.
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On March 25th, Venus will pass almost directly between Earth and the sun--an event astronomers call "inferior solar conjunction." As Venus approaches the sun, the planet is turning its night side toward Earth, reducing its luminous glow to a thin sliver. Astrophotographer Raffaello Lena of Rome, Italy, has been monitoring the transformation:
"The progression of the crescent as Venus approaches inferior conjunction is clear," says Lena. "I took these pictures using an 18 cm (7 inch) Mak Cassegrain telescope." You don't need such a large telescope, however, to see the shape of Venus. Even ordinary binoculars will show the crescent. Amateur astronomers are encouraged to monitor Venus in the lead-up to inferior conjunction. In the nights ahead, the crescent of Venus will become increasingly thin and circular. The horns of the crescent might actually touch when the Venus-sun angle is least on March 25th. Look for Venus shining brightly in the western sky at sunset--you can't miss it!
(Source)
March 6 in Minnesota, 66 degrees! No snow on ground! Thunderstorms! 60mph winds! Tornado warning in northern suburbs, 2 weeks earlier than any tornado touchdown here in recorded history. (And people want to say there is no climate change going on!)
ReplyDeleteSince March 5, Venus will appear to be moving "backwards." All planets can be tracked moving west through the constellations.
ReplyDeleteVenus will be in "retrograde" until April 15, when it will appear to slow and move forward again.
This appearance is due to Venus's position in relation to the earth's position.
Venus goes retrograde every 1 1/2 years.