The phases of Venus are the variations of lighting seen on the planet's surface, similar to lunar phases. The first recorded observations of them are thought to have been telescopic observations by Galileo Galilei in 1610.

4 days ago · Venus will be in its waxing gibbous phase from June 2, 2025, to January 5, 2026, when it grows from its first quarter phase (half Venus) to full phase. It will be visible in the eastern sky preceding sunrise as it rises before sunrise and sets before sunset.

This simulation demonstrates the cycle of the phases of Venus. Click Start Animation. Note that and both venus and Earth now revolve around the Sun with their correct orbital speeds (described by what we call Kepler's 3rd Law today). Which planet moves faster (and can you explain why)?

Venus Phases and Intervals, Astrology Calculator, 8-years Venus Cycles, Greatest Elongation, Maximux Brightness, Venus Ingresses

Earth: 365.25 days; Venus: 224.7 days. Synodic orbital period: Time it take Venus to catch Earth as they orbit the Sun (the time between successive inferior conjunctions):

May 18, 2020 · For weeks before and afterward, Venus appears much larger than at its fully lit phase, and its thin crescent provides a visually impressive telescope target. This time is also when Venus is at its brightest in our sky, maxing out at around –4.7 magnitude.

At greatest brilliancy on April 27, 2025, Venus will shine at magnitude -4.7. That’s super bright! It’ll reach this brightness at 17 UTC on April 27. Venus was in our morning sky when 2024...

Below is a listing of the principal stages in each Venus phase cycle, with a line space between each 1.6-year cycle. Note that each new Venus phase cycle begins about a biquintile (144 degrees) earlier in the zodiac than the previous one.

When Venus is on the far side of the Sun from the Earth, it appears angularly smallest and nearest to full phase, while when Venus and Earth are on the same side of the Sun, Venus appears larger, but as a crescent. This month Venus rises before dawn in waxing gibbous phases.

Here is a great way to explain why we see phases of Venus when looking through the telescope. • 2 "Planet balls": 1"-2" dylite balls work well. See Helpful Hints for more information. Use this activity with families, the general public, and school or youth groups ages 7 and up. This activity takes about 5 minutes and can be used in a darkened room.