Spotting the Bright Light in the Southwest

If you observe a striking light glowing in the southwestern sky shortly after the sun dips below the horizon, you’re witnessing Venus. This brilliant planet is cloaked in clouds of sulfuric acid, making it extremely reflective—one of the reasons it dazzles during twilight. But that’s not all; it's also nearing its closest approach to Earth, enhancing its brightness.

January brought an exciting moment: on the 10th, Venus reached its greatest elongation east of the sun, basking in a glorious glow after sunset. This phenomenon allows it to stand out as the 'Evening Star,' positioning it at its farthest point from the sun in the sky. Its brightness will continue to peak, hitting its zenith on February 16. Interestingly, on January 12, Venus will appear half-lit, reminiscent of a quarter moon.

As Venus orbits closer, its brightness will increase, and it will transform into a slender crescent shape by February. Those with binoculars or a telescope will be treated to a stunning view of this crescent Venus—an unforgettable sight!

Currently, Venus is approximately 0.7 times the distance from Earth to the sun and is ludicrously bright at -4.3 magnitude, residing in the constellation Aquarius.

The Glorious Light in the East: Jupiter

If you gaze towards the eastern sky after dusk, you’ll see a bright light that lasts throughout the night. This radiant object is none other than Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system. Despite having reached its annual opposition on December 7, Jupiter continues to dominate the night sky.

While not as bright as Venus, Jupiter remains visible much longer, sinking into the horizon before dawn. Spotting a bright 'star' in the eastern sky after dark? Chances are, it's Jupiter! This magnificent giant will have its next opposition on January 10, 2026, so take advantage of its current visibility. Jupiter is about 4.2 times the distance from Earth to the sun and shines at -2.5 magnitude while residing in the constellation Taurus.

Watch for the Rising Star: Mars

But wait—there’s more! Shortly after sunset, keep an eye out for a golden light appearing beneath Jupiter. This is Mars, the red planet, which rises into view just as the sun sets. Mars is gearing up for its opposition on January 12, 2025, which comes around every 789 days, when Earth perfectly aligns between the planet and the sun. During opposition, Mars will be at its brightest, showcasing a fully illuminated disk, making it the ideal time to catch a glimpse of its unique color—get a small telescope for an optimal experience!

Presently, Mars is located 0.6 times the Earth-sun distance from us in the constellation Cancer, shining at -1.4 magnitude.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Celestial Show!

These planetary wonders are not just beautiful—they're a reminder of the astonishing universe in which we live. So, whether it's the brilliant Venus, the majestic Jupiter, or the alluring Mars, be sure to step outside and bask in the celestial spectacle above. Wishing you clear skies and bright observations! 🌌✨