This week’s Starwatch is a challenge, but great rewards await anyone who succeeds. The question is, how early in the evening can we find Venus?
On Monday, the bright planet will meet the young crescent Moon. The moon will be just over three days old and about 14% of its visible surface will be illuminated. Unfortunately for British observers, they come closest during daylight, passing within a moon’s width of each other around lunchtime.
They will disperse a bit in the evening, but will still make an attractive pair for observers with a particularly good view to the southwest.
The map shows the view looking southwest from London at 18:30. The sun will still be above the horizon, so do not use any visual equipment or look directly at the sun with your naked eye.
First, notice the slender crescent moon, low in the southwestern sky. Once you find it, use it as a guide to nearby Venus. As the sun dips lower, Venus should become increasingly easier to see, although the moon and planet will sink toward the horizon.
From the southern hemisphere, the Moon and Venus can also be seen together, appearing higher in the evening sky after sunset.