Venus, Mar 22 (V7N) – This weekend, Venus will be part of a rare astronomical event known as "inferior conjunction," which occurs when the planet passes between Earth and the sun. This phenomenon, where Venus will transition from being visible in the evening sky to the morning sky, offers stargazers an opportunity to see the planet both before sunset and after sunrise.

What is an Inferior Conjunction?

Venus completes an orbit around the sun every 225 Earth days, and about every 19.5 months, it reaches a point where it passes between the Earth and the Sun. This is called an inferior conjunction. The term "inferior" is just an astronomical term to describe the event, as Venus is closer to the Sun than Earth. During this time, Venus isn’t directly in line with the Sun but will be slightly above it when observed from the Northern Hemisphere.

When and Where to See Venus?

The inferior conjunction will take place overnight between Saturday, March 23, and Sunday, March 24. Venus will be visible in both the evening and morning skies for several days surrounding the conjunction.

However, since Venus will be close to the Sun, it can be difficult to spot due to the Sun's glow. The best time to catch a glimpse of Venus will be just before sunset or shortly after sunrise, when the sun is below the horizon, providing a clearer view. Observers should be cautious and never look directly at the sun without proper safety equipment.

Why is This Event Special?

The last time Venus was visible in both the morning and evening sky was in 2017. This rare double appearance is not something that happens often and won't occur again until 2033, making it a special event for stargazers. During the conjunction, Venus will briefly slip away from the evening sky, and after the event, it will shift into the morning sky for several weeks.

How Long Will Venus Be Visible?

The visibility of Venus will vary depending on its position relative to the Sun as seen from Earth. It could be visible for just a few minutes or up to several hours, making the timing of your observation important. For the best chance to see Venus, find a location with an unobstructed view of the horizon and check the weather forecast to ensure clear skies.

Viewing Venus Without Special Equipment

No special equipment is required to view Venus, as it is one of the brightest objects in our sky, after the Sun and the Moon. It’s the third-brightest celestial body, so it should be easy to spot once it’s above the horizon, especially if you’re in a location with little light pollution.

Final Thoughts

After the conjunction, Venus will set with the Sun and disappear from the evening sky, resuming its usual position as a morning star. For those who want to catch a glimpse of this celestial event, Time and Date offers detailed information on the best times and locations for viewing Venus, helping observers make the most of this rare occurrence.

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