Often referred to as the evening star, Venus is absolutely radiant in the gathering twilight this week. It reaches a configuration known as the greatest eastern elongation on 10 January, when it will be at its maximum angular distance east from the sun, about 47 degrees. This means that it lingers in the sky long after sunset, making it an easy target for stargazers.
The chart shows the views looking south-west from London at 18.00GMT on 10 January. Venus will be exceptionally bright and totally unmistakable. It will also be easily visible from the southern hemisphere.
Venus is currently situated in the constellation of Aquarius, the water bearer, and is gradually heading in the direction of the much fainter planet Saturn, with which it will have an apparently close encounter later in the month.
Those with binoculars may wish to use them on Venus because at the greatest elongation only 50% of its visible hemisphere is illuminated, meaning that it will display a “half-moon” shape. Never attempt to observe Venus with an optical instrument if the sun is still above the horizon though. The shortest glimpse of our nearest star through a magnifying instrument risks permanent eye damage.
