Don't Miss Venus at Its Farthest Point From the Sun!

Venus: The Brightest Planet You Can See

Have you spotted an unusually bright light in the early morning sky lately? That’s not a star — it’s Venus, the brightest planet visible from Earth! In this Short, we break down why Venus is so bright right now, what’s happening in its orbit, and how you can see it with your own eyes.

🌌 What’s Happening with Venus? Venus is currently at its greatest western elongation, a point in its orbit where it appears farthest from the Sun as seen from Earth. This geometry creates a stunning visual: a sharply lit Venus hanging in the morning sky, easily outshining nearby stars. You don’t need a telescope — just clear skies and a little curiosity!

🕰️ A Cycle Tracked for Centuries This elongation isn’t just beautiful — it’s part of a repeating cycle that occurs five times every eight years. The ancient Maya tracked Venus’s movements with precision and even wove it into their creation myths, viewing the planet’s struggle with the Sun as an eternal celestial battle.

🔭 When and Where to Look Look toward the eastern sky just before sunrise and watch as Venus lingers while other stars fade. Known as the “Morning Star,” Venus is unmistakably bright, steady, and stunning. This is one of the best opportunities to observe it with the naked eye.