Venus: Morning Star

Learn:

When we stargaze, often the brightest “stars” in the sky aren’t even stars at all. They could be planets.

Venus is no exception. It’s the brightest planet in our solar system for a couple of reasons. First, the planet itself is surrounded by highly reflective clouds made of sulfuric acid. Sunlight bouncing off of these clouds - at a rate seven times greater than the moon - makes it brighter in our sky.

Second, Venus is relatively close to us. It’s the second planet from the sun and we are the third. There’s a moon of Saturn that has a greater reflectivity because it’s covered in ice, but it’s so far away that we can’t see it without the use of a telescope.

On and around February 9, Venus will be at its brightest because so much of its illuminated surface will be facing towards Earth.

Side note: Venus is also known both as the Morning Star and the Evening Star. Depending on where it is in its own orbit around the sun, Venus appears in our sky at different times of the day. But whenever you see it, you know it’s Venus because of how brightly it is shining.

Read:

Are you interested in reading more about the “stars” in our universe? Stars! Stars! Stars! by Bob Barner is a simple book that provides easy-to-read facts about the planets, our sun, meteors, and stars in this brightly colored book. In addition, sections at the back called “Meet the Planets” and “Meet the Universe” dig deeper with these facts if kids (or adults!) want to learn more.

Do:

Winter is a great time of year to go stargazing, given our long, long nights. Make a plan this week to get up before 7:00am this week so that you can see Venus shining in the eastern morning sky! Take time to appreciate the scientists and observers who have discovered why Venus is so bright and where it is each day.