On Saturday, Venus will pass between the Earth and the Sun in an event known as an inferior conjunction. While this celestial alignment occurs roughly every 19 months, it is not an easy sight to catch. According to Michelle Nichols from the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, seeing Venus during this time requires special equipment and expertise, due to the sun’s brightness.
An inferior conjunction is when two celestial bodies appear close together in the sky, specifically when Venus is positioned directly between the Sun and Earth. This particular event is expected to happen around 9 p.m. Eastern Time.
Astronomer Geary Albright from James Madison University affectionately calls this event a “kiss of Venus,” highlighting the planet’s closeness to us during this rare alignment. Venus goes through phases similar to the Moon, appearing as a thin crescent before and after the conjunction. Observers hoping to catch a glimpse of this transition can watch as Venus shifts from the evening to the morning sky on Sunday.
In the days leading up to the event, find a flat location and look towards the horizon just after sunset to see Venus shining brightly. After the conjunction, it will be visible in the morning sky before dawn. However, be cautious not to look directly at the Sun.
While this weekend’s astronomical event may not be a dazzling visual display, scientists emphasize that it is an excellent opportunity to observe and learn about the movements of planets in our solar system. Nichols encourages people to take this chance to appreciate Venus.
Interestingly, this phenomenon has inspired cultural references as well; Paul McCartney’s song “The Kiss of Venus” was partially inspired by this celestial occurrence. Additionally, NASA has plans for upcoming missions focused on studying Venus to understand its formation and why it differs so significantly from Earth.
