Observing Venus Throughout 2026: The Brilliant Evening and Morning Star

Venus, the brilliant evening and morning star, is impossible to miss when it graces our skies. In 2026, Venus treats observers to both spectacular evening and morning apparitions, showcasing its remarkable phases and dazzling brightness. This comprehensive guide will help you observe Venus throughout the entire year.

⭐ Key Takeaways

• Venus dominates as the evening star from January through March 2026, reaching greatest elongation on March 23
• Transitions to morning star from April through December, with greatest elongation on October 23
• Reaches maximum brightness of magnitude -4.7 in late March - brighter than any star or planet

📑 Table of Contents

1. 2026 Venus Overview
2. Understanding Venus's Cycle
3. Month-by-Month Viewing Guide
4. What You Can See
5. Equipment Guide
6. Observing Tips

2026 Venus Overview

Venus follows a predictable cycle as it orbits the Sun inside Earth's orbit. In 2026, Venus transitions from evening star to morning star, offering two distinct observing seasons.

Key Dates for 2026

Evening Star Phase (January - March):

• March 23 - Greatest Eastern Elongation (46° from Sun) ⭐⭐⭐ BEST
• Late March - Maximum Brightness (magnitude -4.7)
• Visible in western sky after sunset

Inferior Conjunction:

• Late March/Early April - Venus passes between Earth and Sun
• Invisible for about 2-3 weeks during transition

Morning Star Phase (April - December):

• October 23 - Greatest Western Elongation (47° from Sun) ⭐⭐⭐ EXCELLENT
• July-August - Peak Morning Brightness (magnitude -4.5)
• Visible in eastern sky before sunrise

What Makes 2026 Special:

• Venus reaches brilliant magnitude -4.7 in March, making it bright enough to cast shadows
• Extended morning star phase dominates most of the year
• Excellent elongations provide months of prime viewing

Understanding Venus's Cycle

Venus's motion creates a beautiful pattern of visibility that repeats approximately every 19 months:

The Venus Cycle

1. Superior Conjunction (Not visible)

• Venus on far side of Sun from Earth
• Appears small and full (but invisible in Sun's glare)
• Marks beginning of evening star phase

2. Evening Star (Visible after sunset)

• Venus emerges in western sky after sunset
• Grows brighter and higher each week
• Shows decreasing phases (gibbous → half → crescent)
• Reaches greatest eastern elongation (maximum angle from Sun)

3. Inferior Conjunction (Not visible)

• Venus passes between Earth and Sun
• Appears large and crescent (but invisible in Sun's glare)
• Marks transition from evening to morning star
• Can rarely transit across Sun's face

4. Morning Star (Visible before sunrise)

• Venus emerges in eastern sky before sunrise
• Grows brighter and higher each week
• Shows increasing phases (crescent → half → gibbous)
• Reaches greatest western elongation (maximum angle from Sun)

5. Cycle repeats - Back to superior conjunction

Why Venus Shows Phases

Unlike Mars, Jupiter, or Saturn, Venus shows dramatic phases because it orbits between Earth and the Sun:

• Full or Gibbous - Venus far from Earth (small, bright)
• Half (Dichotomy) - Venus at greatest elongation
• Crescent - Venus close to Earth (large, brilliant)

Month-by-Month Viewing Guide

January 2026

Evening Star - Growing Higher and Brighter ⭐⭐

• Visibility: Excellent in western sky after sunset
• Height Above Horizon: 35-40° at sunset (about 3-4 fist widths)
• Magnitude: -4.2 to -4.4 (brilliant!)
• Phase: 70-60% illuminated (gibbous)
• Best Viewing: All month, 30-90 minutes after sunset
• Setting Time: 3-3.5 hours after sunset

What to Observe: Venus dominates the southwestern evening sky, appearing as an impossibly bright "star." Even city dwellers with light pollution can easily spot it. Through a telescope, Venus shows a gibbous phase similar to a waxing Moon.

Viewing Tips: No special equipment needed - Venus is unmistakable. If you want to impress friends, point it out during evening twilight. Most people are amazed when they realize they're looking at a planet. Through binoculars or a small telescope, you can clearly see Venus isn't quite round - it's gibbous.

February 2026

Evening Star - Approaching Greatest Elongation ⭐⭐⭐

• Visibility: Spectacular in western sky after sunset
• Height Above Horizon: 40-45° at sunset (maximum height)
• Magnitude: -4.5 to -4.6 (extremely bright)
• Phase: 60-50% illuminated (gibbous to half)
• Best Viewing: All month, 30-120 minutes after sunset
• Setting Time: 3.5-4 hours after sunset

What to Observe: This is prime Venus observing! The planet is high enough to avoid atmospheric turbulence, bright enough to see details through telescopes, and at a phase where its disk is sizable. Venus appears as a brilliant white beacon, far brighter than any star.

Through Telescope: Venus's disk grows from about 20" to 25" during February. The phase decreases from gibbous to approaching half, making this an excellent month for phase observations. Use magnifications of 50-100x for best views.

Special Events: Watch for Venus near the Moon on February 24-25 (beautiful conjunction for photos).

March 2026

Evening Star - Greatest Elongation and Maximum Brightness ⭐⭐⭐

• Key Date: March 23 - Greatest Eastern Elongation (46° from Sun)
• Peak Brightness: Late March (magnitude -4.7 - brightest of the year!)
• Visibility: Outstanding in western sky after sunset
• Height Above Horizon: 45° early month, decreasing to 35° by month end
• Phase: 50% → 30% illuminated (half to large crescent)
• Best Viewing: All month, especially March 15-31
• Setting Time: 4 hours after sunset early month, 3 hours late month

What to Observe: March is THE best month for evening Venus in 2026! Around March 23, Venus appears exactly half-lit (dichotomy) - a stunning sight through any telescope. As the month progresses, Venus grows larger but transitions to a beautiful crescent.

Maximum Brightness: Late March, Venus reaches magnitude -4.7, bright enough to cast faint shadows on very dark nights and easily visible during broad daylight if you know where to look.

Through Telescope:

• Early March: 25" disk, 55% illuminated (gibbous)
• March 23 (Greatest Elongation): 28" disk, 50% illuminated (half-phase)
• Late March: 35" disk, 35% illuminated (fat crescent)

Photography: Excellent month for Venus photography. The combination of high altitude, brilliant brightness, and beautiful crescent phase makes for stunning images. Include foreground objects (trees, buildings) for scale.

April 2026

Transition Period - Inferior Conjunction

• Early April: Venus visible as morning star AND evening star (briefly!)
• Mid-April: Inferior conjunction - Venus passes between Earth and Sun
• Visibility: Poor to invisible most of month
• Phase: Large, thin crescent (but mostly invisible in Sun's glare)

What's Happening: Venus undergoes its most dramatic change as it transitions from evening to morning star. For a few days in early April, experienced observers with clear horizons might catch Venus both after sunset (very low in west) and before sunrise (very low in east) on the same day!

Advanced Observing: Around April 5-7, Venus shows an enormous crescent (60" or larger) but is very difficult to observe due to proximity to Sun. Only attempt if you have experience and know exactly where Venus is located. NEVER sweep near the Sun with optical instruments.

May 2026

Morning Star - Emerging from Sun's Glare ⭐

• Visibility: Fair, improving throughout month
• Height Above Horizon: 10-20° before sunrise
• Magnitude: -4.5 to -4.4 (very bright)
• Phase: 30-40% illuminated (crescent to gibbous)
• Best Viewing: May 10 onwards, 30-60 minutes before sunrise
• Rising Time: 90-120 minutes before sunrise

What to Observe: Venus emerges as the morning star, appearing in the eastern pre-dawn sky. Early in the month it's quite low and challenging, but by month's end it's an obvious brilliant beacon.

Through Telescope: Venus still shows a nice crescent early in the month, though the phase fills out rapidly as Venus moves away from Earth.

June 2026

Morning Star - Growing Higher ⭐⭐

• Visibility: Good to excellent in eastern sky before sunrise
• Height Above Horizon: 25-30° before sunrise
• Magnitude: -4.3 to -4.2 (brilliant)
• Phase: 50-60% illuminated (half to gibbous)
• Best Viewing: All month, 45-90 minutes before sunrise
• Rising Time: 2-2.5 hours before sunrise

What to Observe: Venus now dominates the pre-dawn sky, shining brilliantly in the east. The planet rises earlier each day, providing a longer observing window before sunrise brightens the sky.

Special Events: Venus near Jupiter on June 20-22 - spectacular conjunction of the two brightest planets!

July 2026

Morning Star - Peak Morning Brightness ⭐⭐⭐

• Visibility: Spectacular in eastern sky before sunrise
• Height Above Horizon: 35-40° before sunrise (excellent altitude)
• Magnitude: -4.5 to -4.6 (near maximum brightness)
• Phase: 65-75% illuminated (gibbous)
• Best Viewing: All month, 60-120 minutes before sunrise
• Rising Time: 2.5-3 hours before sunrise

What to Observe: July offers premium morning Venus viewing! The planet is high enough to escape atmospheric turbulence, bright enough to dominate the sky, and at a sizable phase for telescope observations.

Through Telescope: Venus's disk shrinks during July (from 18" to 14") as the planet moves farther from Earth. The gibbous phase is clearly visible, and atmospheric details (the phase terminator is often slightly irregular due to Venus's thick clouds) can sometimes be glimpsed during steady seeing.

August 2026

Morning Star - Excellent Viewing Continues ⭐⭐⭐

• Visibility: Excellent in eastern sky before sunrise
• Height Above Horizon: 40-42° before sunrise (maximum height)
• Magnitude: -4.4 to -4.3 (very bright)
• Phase: 80-85% illuminated (gibbous, nearly full)
• Best Viewing: All month, 60-120 minutes before sunrise
• Rising Time: 3-3.5 hours before sunrise

What to Observe: Venus maintains its dominance of the morning sky, now appearing almost fully illuminated but still dazzlingly bright. This is Venus's highest point above the horizon for the morning apparition.

September 2026

Morning Star - Moving Toward Greatest Elongation ⭐⭐

• Visibility: Excellent in eastern sky before sunrise
• Height Above Horizon: 40-38° before sunrise (slowly decreasing)
• Magnitude: -4.3 to -4.2 (bright)
• Phase: 88-92% illuminated (nearly full)
• Best Viewing: All month, 60-120 minutes before sunrise
• Rising Time: 3.5-4 hours before sunrise

What to Observe: Venus continues to shine brilliantly, though its phase is now nearly full, making it appear smaller through telescopes. The planet still rises well before the Sun, providing ample observing time.

October 2026

Morning Star - Greatest Western Elongation ⭐⭐⭐

• Key Date: October 23 - Greatest Western Elongation (47° from Sun)
• Visibility: Excellent in eastern sky before sunrise
• Height Above Horizon: 35-30° before sunrise
• Magnitude: -4.1 to -4.0 (bright)
• Phase: 95-98% illuminated (nearly full)
• Best Viewing: All month, 60-120 minutes before sunrise
• Rising Time: 4 hours before sunrise

What to Observe: October 23 marks greatest western elongation - Venus's maximum angular distance from the Sun in the morning sky. While not as visually spectacular as the crescent phases, this represents Venus at its most convenient for morning observing.

Through Telescope: Venus appears small (about 11") and nearly full (gibbous at 97%). Not the most exciting telescope view, but noteworthy as Venus's farthest morning excursion from the Sun.

November 2026

Morning Star - Still Excellent ⭐⭐

• Visibility: Very good in eastern sky before sunrise
• Height Above Horizon: 28-24° before sunrise
• Magnitude: -4.0 to -3.9 (bright)
• Phase: 98-99% illuminated (nearly full)
• Best Viewing: All month, 60-90 minutes before sunrise
• Rising Time: 3.5-3 hours before sunrise

What to Observe: Venus remains a brilliant morning beacon, though now slowly descending and appearing nearly full. The planet is still unmistakable and dominates the pre-dawn sky.

December 2026

Morning Star - Year-End Viewing ⭐

• Visibility: Good in eastern sky before sunrise
• Height Above Horizon: 22-18° before sunrise (decreasing)
• Magnitude: -3.9 to -3.9 (bright but fading slightly)
• Phase: 99-100% illuminated (full)
• Best Viewing: All month, 45-75 minutes before sunrise
• Rising Time: 2.5-2 hours before sunrise

What to Observe: Venus concludes 2026 as a morning star, though now lower and appearing fully illuminated. The planet is moving slowly toward superior conjunction (which occurs in 2027), gradually lowering in the pre-dawn sky.

Looking Ahead: Venus will remain visible as a morning star into early 2027 before disappearing behind the Sun and re-emerging as an evening star in spring 2027.

What You Can See

With the Naked Eye

• Appearance: Brilliant white "star" - by far the brightest object except Sun and Moon
• Color: Pure white to slightly cream-colored
• Brightness: Magnitude -4.7 to -3.9 (30-15 times brighter than Sirius, the brightest star)
• Twinkling: Venus doesn't twinkle significantly (steady light confirms it's a planet)
• Shadow Casting: At maximum brightness (-4.7), Venus can cast very faint shadows on perfectly dark nights
• Daytime Visibility: Visible during day if you know exactly where to look

Best Naked-Eye Feature: Simply beholding Earth's "sister planet" - the most beautiful sight in the night sky after the Moon!

With Binoculars (7x50 or 10x50)

• Disk: Venus's planetary disk is just barely discernible (appears as a tiny disk rather than a point)
• Phase: With steady hands or tripod support, the crescent phase is visible during extreme crescents (late evening apparition, early morning apparition)
• Brightness: Almost uncomfortably bright! Venus can actually be too bright through binoculars
• Tip: Binoculars mainly confirm that Venus is indeed a planet (disk) rather than a star (point)

With a Small Telescope (60-90mm)

• Phases: Beautifully clear! All phases from full to crescent easily visible
• Disk Size: Varies dramatically from 10" (superior conjunction) to 65" (inferior conjunction)
• Best Magnification: 30x to 80x (higher magnification often counterproductive due to brightness)
• Best Views: Greatest elongations (half-phase, easier to observe) and weeks around elongation

Phase Observations:

• Superior Conjunction: Small disk (10"), 100% illuminated (full)
• Quadrature: Medium disk (25"), 50% illuminated (half) - BEST
• Greatest Elongation: Medium-large disk (28"), 50% illuminated (dichotomy)
• Inferior Conjunction: Huge disk (60"), 2-5% illuminated (thin crescent) - spectacular but difficult

Brightness Management: Venus is often too bright for comfortable viewing. Solutions:

• Observe during twilight rather than dark sky (less contrast = easier viewing)
• Use high magnification (spreads light over larger area)
• Try planetary filters (light blue #82A reduces glare)
• Stop down telescope aperture (cover part of the objective lens)

With a Larger Telescope (150mm+)

• Better Resolution: Phase terminator (the line between lit and unlit portions) appears sharper
• Cloud Features: On rare occasions of exceptional seeing, very subtle cloud markings visible
• Challenge: Brightness is even more of an issue - filters or stopping down essential
• Best Use: Phase measurements, monitoring the terminator for irregularities caused by Venus's atmosphere

What You Won't See:

• Surface features (Venus is covered by opaque clouds)
• Moons (Venus has none)
• Rings (Venus has none)
• Color variations (Venus appears uniformly cream-white)

Advanced Observations:

• Schröter Effect: Venus sometimes appears to reach dichotomy (half phase) a few days earlier than predicted during evening apparitions, or later during morning apparitions. This is an atmospheric effect and can be observed and timed.
• Ashen Light: A controversial observation - some observers report seeing the unlit portion of Venus's crescent glowing faintly. This may be atmospheric or optical illusion. Worth looking for during large crescents!

Equipment Guide

Essential Equipment

For Naked-Eye Observing:

• Nothing required! Venus is unmistakable when present
• Optional: Planetarium app to confirm identification and predict visibility
• Clear horizon (western for evening star, eastern for morning star)

For Binocular Observing:

• 7x50 or 10x50 binoculars
• Tripod or stable support (Venus is bright enough that shake is less critical than for dim objects)
• Optional: Neutral density filter to reduce glare

For Telescope Observing:

• 60-90mm refractor or 100-150mm reflector (larger telescopes work but require brightness management)
• Stable mount (Venus's brightness makes tracking easier than for dim objects)
• Eyepieces providing 30x to 150x magnification
• Recommended: Light blue filter (#82A or #80A) to reduce glare and improve contrast

Brightness Management Equipment

Venus's extreme brightness can actually be a problem for telescope observing:

Solutions:

1. Planetary Filters:

   • Light Blue #82A (most popular for Venus)
   • Light Blue #80A
   • Neutral Density filters (variable ND very useful)

2. Aperture Stops:

   • Cardboard mask with hole covering part of telescope objective
   • Reduces incoming light and sharpens image
   • Particularly useful for large telescopes (8" and up)

3. Timing:

   • Observe during bright twilight rather than dark sky
   • Reduced sky contrast makes Venus less glaring

Safety Equipment

For Daytime Venus Observing (Advanced Only):

⚠️ EXTREME CAUTION REQUIRED

• ONLY for experienced observers
• Precise Venus position (from planetarium app with exact time/location)
• Setting circles or GoTo mount to point telescope without visual searching
• NEVER sweep the sky searching for daytime Venus
• Accidental Sun observation = instant permanent blindness

Safer Alternative: Find Venus in twilight, then follow it as sky brightens (don't start observing Venus in full daylight).

Observing Tips

1. Start with Naked-Eye Appreciation

Before grabbing any optical equipment, simply enjoy Venus with your naked eyes. Unlike most celestial objects, Venus is spectacular without magnification. Stand outside during twilight and watch the brilliant evening or morning star dominate the sky. Share the view with friends or family - Venus is a great "gateway object" for getting people interested in astronomy.

2. Best Observing Times

Evening Star:

• Begin observing 20-30 minutes after sunset
• Best window: 30-90 minutes after sunset
• Venus sets 2-4 hours after sunset (varies by elongation)

Morning Star:

• End observing 20-30 minutes before sunrise
• Best window: 60-120 minutes before sunrise
• Venus rises 2-4 hours before sunrise (varies by elongation)

Pro Tip: Observe during bright twilight for best telescope views. The sky's brightness reduces Venus's overwhelming glare, making phases easier to see.

3. Follow the Phases Over Weeks

Venus's phases change noticeably week-to-week:

• Create a "Venus phase journal" with sketches or photographs
• Observe every 7-10 days during elongation periods
• Watch the phase decrease (evening star) or increase (morning star)
• Time when dichotomy (half-phase) occurs (look up Schröter Effect)

This long-term project helps you understand Venus's orbital motion and makes you a better planetary observer.

4. Use Filters for Better Views

Venus is often too bright for comfortable telescope viewing:

Recommended filters:

• Light Blue #82A - Reduces glare, enhances contrast, most popular Venus filter
• Variable ND filter - Allows you to adjust brightness level on the fly
• Light Blue #80A - Slightly stronger than #82A

Filter benefits:

• Reduces eye strain
• Makes phase terminator sharper
• Allows longer observation without discomfort
• Sometimes reveals subtle cloud detail

5. Observe During Daytime (Advanced)

Venus is one of the few objects (besides the Sun, Moon, and very occasionally Jupiter) that can be observed during full daylight:

Method:

1. Find Venus during twilight (evening or morning)
2. Note its position relative to the Sun (angle and direction)
3. Follow Venus into brighter sky conditions
4. Continue observing as sky reaches full daylight

Advantages of daytime observing:

• Venus higher above horizon (less atmospheric turbulence)
• Can observe conveniently during daylight hours
• Impressive demonstration for friends!

CRITICAL SAFETY: NEVER use optical instruments to search for daytime Venus without knowing its EXACT position. Have planetarium app showing real-time position. One glance at the Sun through optics = permanent blindness.

6. Photograph Venus

Venus is extremely photogenic and easy to photograph:

Naked-Eye Shots:

• Camera on tripod
• Include foreground (trees, buildings, landscape)
• ISO 400-1600
• Exposure 1-4 seconds
• Venus will appear as bright point; foreground provides context

Through-Telescope Shots:

• Smartphone through eyepiece works surprisingly well
• Dedicated planetary camera (ZWO ASI, etc.) for serious work
• Neutral density filter essential (Venus too bright without it)
• Best results: video multiple frames, stack best ones
• Captures phase beautifully

Conjunction Shots:

• Venus + Moon conjunctions (several per year)
• Venus + Jupiter conjunction (occasionally)
• Venus + Mars, Saturn (rare but spectacular)
• Wide-field lens (24-50mm) captures both objects plus landscape

7. Share the View

Venus is the perfect object for public outreach:

• Visible during evening hours (convenient for people)
• Bright enough to see even with light pollution
• Shows obvious phase through modest telescope
• Non-astronomers are amazed to see a "planet shape"

Outreach tips:

• Set up telescope on sidewalk during evening Venus apparitions
• Invite strangers to look through telescope ("Want to see a planet?")
• Explain what they're seeing: "That's Venus, Earth's sister planet!"
• Most people have never seen planetary phases - it's memorable

8. Monitor Conjunctions

Venus frequently passes near other celestial objects:

Venus + Moon:

• Happens monthly during Venus apparitions
• Beautiful naked-eye sight
• Excellent photography opportunity
• Check planetarium apps for exact dates

Venus + Planets:

• Venus + Jupiter (brightest conjunctions, spectacular)
• Venus + Mars (nice contrast: white Venus, orange Mars)
• Venus + Saturn (lovely pairing)
• In 2026: Venus-Jupiter June 20-22

Venus + Stars:

• Venus passing near bright stars or star clusters
• Creates beautiful wide-field views
• Good for astrophotography

9. Time the Dichotomy (Schröter Effect)

This is a fascinating advanced project:

Theoretical: Venus should appear exactly half-lit (dichotomy) when it's 90° from the Sun as seen from Earth.

Observed: Venus often appears to reach dichotomy several days early (evening apparition) or late (morning apparition) - this is the Schröter Effect, likely caused by Venus's thick atmosphere scattering light.

Your Mission:

1. Observe Venus every clear night as it approaches predicted dichotomy date
2. Sketch phase or photograph through telescope
3. Estimate when phase appears exactly 50%
4. Compare with predicted date (from planetarium software)
5. Measure difference (usually 4-8 days)
6. Report findings to Venus observing sections of astronomical societies

10. Watch for the Ashen Light

One of astronomy's mysteries:

What It Is: Some observers report seeing the unlit portion of Venus's crescent glowing faintly with a dim, grayish light (similar to Earthshine on the Moon).

The Mystery: No confirmed explanation exists. Theories include:

• Airglow in Venus's atmosphere
• Lightning storms
• Optical illusion
• Scattering in observer's eye/telescope

Your Mission:

• During large crescent phases (10-30% illuminated)
• Use averted vision when viewing through telescope
• Look for faint glow on dark side
• Note observations (positive or negative)
• Very controversial - some observers see it regularly, others never

Note: Most likely an optical effect, but still fun to look for!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the best time to see Venus in 2026?

Venus is spectacular in early 2026 as the evening star, reaching maximum brightness (-4.7) in late March. The second half of the year offers excellent morning star views, with Venus dominating the pre-dawn sky from May through December.

Q: Why is Venus so bright?

Venus is the third brightest object in the sky (after the Sun and Moon) because of its proximity to Earth, large size, and highly reflective cloud tops. The thick sulfuric acid clouds reflect about 75% of the sunlight that hits them, making Venus dazzling to observe.

Q: Can I see Venus during the day?

Yes! Venus is bright enough to see during daytime if you know exactly where to look. It's easiest to find Venus during the day by locating it first in twilight, then following it as the sky brightens. NEVER use a telescope to search for Venus during the day without knowing its exact position - you could accidentally point at the Sun.

Q: What phases does Venus show?

Venus displays all phases from full to crescent, just like the Moon. When Venus is farthest from Earth (superior conjunction), it appears small and full. As it approaches Earth, it grows larger but shows decreasing phases. At greatest elongation it appears half-lit, and near inferior conjunction it shows a large, thin crescent.

Q: Why does Venus appear in both evening and morning sky?

Venus orbits between Earth and the Sun. When Venus is on one side of the Sun, we see it in the evening sky after sunset (evening star). When it moves to the other side of the Sun, we see it in the morning sky before sunrise (morning star). The transition happens when Venus passes between Earth and the Sun (inferior conjunction).

Summary: Your Venus Observing Calendar

EVENING STAR (January - March):

• ⭐⭐⭐ March 23 - Greatest Eastern Elongation (46° from Sun)
• ⭐⭐⭐ Late March - Maximum Brightness (magnitude -4.7)
• Best for: Phase observations, public outreach, photography

TRANSITION (April):

• Inferior conjunction - Venus invisible

MORNING STAR (May - December):

• ⭐⭐⭐ July-August - Peak brightness and height
• ⭐⭐⭐ October 23 - Greatest Western Elongation (47° from Sun)
• Best for: Pre-dawn observing, long observation windows

Venus is the jewel of the sky - brilliant, beautiful, and accessible to all. Whether you observe with naked eyes, binoculars, or telescope, Venus rewards observers with its dazzling brightness and elegant phases. Enjoy this celestial beauty throughout 2026!

Clear skies and happy Venus watching!

Resources

Venus Visibility Tools:

• Stellarium Web - Free planetarium showing Venus position
• Heavens-Above Venus - Venus visibility predictions
• CalSky - Detailed Venus data

Phase Calculators:

• In-The-Sky.org - Shows current Venus phase
• TheSkyLive Venus - Real-time Venus data

Observation Resources:

• Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (ALPO) Venus Section
• British Astronomical Association Venus Section

About Ian Clayton

Amateur astronomer and founder of WatchTheStars.co.uk, dedicated to helping others explore the wonders of our universe.

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