Sky-event notice: Venus puts on a dazzling show
On July 12, only the Moon will shine brighter than the planet closest to Earth.
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July 10, 2007 Venus hangs above the southwestern horizon in early July. Look to the southwest about 30 minutes after sunset to see this bright planet. Click here to download a high-resolution version of this image.
Photo by ASTRONOMY: ROEN KELLY
WAUKESHA, WI — That bright light hanging low above the southwestern horizon just after sunset isn't an oncoming airplane — it's the planet Venus. July opened with Venus outshining all the other planets and stars. Only the Moon is brighter.
"Venus is a spectacular sight this time of year, so take advantage of July's warm weather and see this celestial beauty at its best and brightest," says Astronomy Associate Editor Laura Layton.
By the 12th, Venus reaches its greatest brilliancy. |
 Venus' clouds offer no detail to observers, but the planet's size and phase vary radically. Observers can witness this phase change through a small telescope. Click here to download a high-resolution version of this image.
Photo by ESA/VIRTIS/INAF-ISAF/OBS DE PARIS-LESIA
In early July, about one-third (36 percent) of Venus appeared sunlit. By the 31st, only 10 percent of the planet's visible surface lies in sunlight. With favorable observing conditions, 15-power binoculars or any telescope will show Venus' phase.
Throughout the month, Venus appears to grow in size as it gets closer to Earth. By July 31, Venus appears as a large, thin crescent through a telescope.
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