Keep your eyes peeled — love planet Venus is making a rare and dazzling cameo this week, and you don’t wanna miss it!
In astrology, Venus is known as the planet of beauty, romance and self-worth. When referring to its visibility in the sky, it’s often called the “evening star” and “morning star,” depending on the time of the day when it appears.
This week, however, Venus, the brightest planet in our solar system, will have a rare dual visibility — visible in both the morning and evening skies in the northern hemisphere between March 18 and 21.
This cosmic spectacle won’t happen again until 2033, so be sure to catch this stunning display while you can.
This is happening a few days before its inferior conjunction (March 23), which occurs when a planet passes approximately between Earth and the sun. According to Star Walk, the inferior conjunction also coincides with the moment when its ecliptic latitude is very high.
Venus won’t be perfectly in line with the sun, but slightly above it, as viewed from the northern hemisphere. So, Venus will appear both after sunset and before sunrise for a few days, per Star Walk.
Astrologically, it’s important to note that Venus is retrograde in Aries, a time when relationship themes are up for reflection and review. Venus’ retrograde cycle is part of its synodic cycle, which lasts around 19 months.
Here’s everything you need to know about this rare sighting.
When will Venus be visible?
Venus, computer artwork.
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Venus is so bright that it will be visible even in the first light of dawn.
It will appear both after sunset and before sunrise for a few days around March 18 through 21, per Star Walk. If it stays above the horizon for at least 30 minutes before sunrise and after sunset, you may be able to catch a glimpse of the love planet.
Where will Venus be visible?
Telescope on the background of the starry sky.
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According to Time and Date, you’ll want to look west, low down in the sky, shortly after sunset to find Venus in the evening. If you’re an early riser, however, you’ll be able to spot the love planet shortly before sunrise, close to the horizon in the eastern sky.
If you’re hoping to experience Venus’ dual visibility in your location, check Time and Date’s Night Sky Map to track Venus between March 18 and 21.
How to see Venus in the sky?
Moonrise above the horizon and venus.
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Good news! You won’t need any special equipment to catch Venus’ rare and double sighting. It is, after all, the third brightest planet in the sky, next to the sun and moon.
Still, it’s important to be careful when attempting to catch a glimpse of Venus in the morning. According to Time and Date, observing the planet when any part of the sun is above the horizon could cause irreversible damage to your eyes, due to Venus’ close proximity to the sun.
