Venus, the brightest planet, will pass very close to a crescent moon in the twilight sky, creating a memorable sight that has inspired symbols on flags and famous poetry. However, observing this event on Monday evening, Aug. 5 will be quite challenging due to the moon’s thin illumination of only 2 percent, making it hard to detect initially. Those in the eastern United States with a clear view of the sunset horizon may be able to witness this rare occurrence.
The close conjunction of Venus and the moon will require binoculars to spot, with Venus shining ten times brighter than the brightest star, Sirius. Despite the difficulty, observing the moon always provides a rewarding experience for skywatchers. For those interested in capturing this event through photography, various guides are available for photographing the moon and planets.
A 36-hour-old moon will be visible shortly before sunset, sitting above the west-northwest horizon. Using binoculars to locate the moon and Venus can enhance the viewing experience, especially as twilight deepens. Around half an hour after sunset, Venus will appear as a bright dot next to the moon’s lower left rim, creating a stunning visual in the twilight sky.
Moving farther west, observers along the Pacific coast will witness the gap between the moon and Venus widen, with Venus positioned to the lower right of the moon. While this event may not be easily seen by all, preparation, a clear horizon, and binoculars can increase the chances of spotting this celestial display.
Instructor Joe Rao, affiliated with the Hayden Planetarium, Natural History magazine, and Farmers’ Almanac, shares his insights on astronomy, guiding enthusiasts through the wonders of the night sky.
Vocabulary List:
- Conjunction /kənˈdʒʌŋkʃən/ (noun): The act of joining together or occurring at the same time.
- Illumination /ɪˌluː.mɪˈneɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The condition of being lighted; the provision of light.
- Twilight /ˈtwaɪ.laɪt/ (noun): The light from the sky during the time just after the sun has gone down.
- Crescent /ˈkrɛs.ənt/ (adjective/noun): Having the shape of a crescent; an object shaped like a crescent.
- Observation /ˌɒbzərˈveɪʃən/ (noun): The action or process of closely observing something or someone.
- Phenomenon /fəˈnɒmɪˌnɒn/ (noun): An observable fact or event; something unusual that can be seen.
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