On Saturday, Venus will move between Earth and the sun. This event is called an inferior conjunction.
Why Is It Hard to See?
You might be excited to watch, but experts say it’s almost impossible to see Venus during this time. The sun’s bright light makes it too hard to spot.
Michelle Nichols from Chicago’s Adler Planetarium explains, “The glare from the sun makes it really difficult to see.”
What Does Inferior Conjunction Mean?
A conjunction happens when two objects in space appear close together in the sky. For Venus, an inferior conjunction is when it passes between the Earth and the sun.
This event happens about every 19 months, as both planets orbit the sun. This time, the closest moment will happen around 9 p.m. EDT.
Astronomer Geary Albright from James Madison University said, “Some people call this a Venus kiss because the planet comes very close to Earth.”
How Does Venus Look During This Time?
Venus goes through phases just like the moon. Around this event, Venus looks like a thin crescent. But only people using telescopes will be able to see it.
Can You Watch Venus Move?
Before the conjunction, you might see Venus near the horizon right after sunset. Look for one of the brightest objects in the sky.
After the conjunction, Venus will move to the morning sky. You can find it just before sunrise. But be careful — never look directly at the sun, as it can damage your eyes.
Why Is This Event Important for Scientists?
While this event may not be exciting to watch with your eyes, scientists use it to study how planets move in space.
“Get a chance to get to know Venus,” said Nichols.
Fun Fact: A Song Inspired by Venus
Paul McCartney’s song The Kiss of Venus was inspired by this special event when the planet comes closest to Earth.
What’s Next for Venus?
NASA has two upcoming missions planned to study Venus. Scientists want to learn how the planet formed and why it turned out so different from Earth.