On June 1st, Venus reaches its greatest western elongation, meaning it appears farthest from the sun in the morning sky. It will be a brilliant "morning star" visible in the east before dawn, with a magnitude of -4.4. You can find it in the constellation Pisces around 4 a.m. local time.
Here's how to see it:
- When to Look: The best time to spot Venus will be in the pre-dawn hours, before sunrise. It will rise in the eastern sky, making it highly visible against the still-dark backdrop. While June 1 marks its farthest point from the Sun in our sky, Venus will remain a dazzling presence in the morning sky through October.
- Where to Look: Focus your gaze towards the eastern horizon. Venus is the third-brightest object in the sky after the Sun and the Moon, so it will be impossible to miss, even with the naked eye.
- What to Expect: Venus will appear as a brilliant, white "star." At its greatest elongation, it will be approximately 46 degrees away from the Sun, making it well-separated from the Sun's glare and easier to observe.
- Through a Telescope/Binoculars: If you have binoculars or a small telescope (at least 60mm aperture), you can get an even better view. On June 1, Venus will also reach
- dichotomy, meaning it will appear half-lit, similar to a quarter moon. This is a fascinating sight to observe.
- Companion Planets: You might also spot Saturn nearby in the morning sky, though it will be dimmer than Venus.
Why is this a good time to see Venus?
"Greatest western elongation" means Venus is at its maximum apparent distance from the Sun as seen from Earth. Because Venus orbits closer to the Sun than Earth does, it always appears relatively close to the Sun in our sky. When it's at greatest western elongation, it rises before the Sun, earning its nickname "morning star," and is at its highest point in the pre-dawn sky, offering the best viewing opportunity.
So, set your alarm early this weekend and look to the eastern sky for a spectacular view of Venus!