What happened
On October 24, 2026, Venus will reach what is known as inferior conjunction. During this event, the planet will align directly between Earth and the sun. This alignment means that for a brief period, Venus will be obscured from view as it passes behind the sun.
Can you see it?
While Venus will not be visible during the actual moment of inferior conjunction, shortly afterward, it will emerge in the eastern sky just before dawn. After this event, stargazers can look forward to seeing Venus as a bright morning star, making it a lovely sight in the early hours.
What it means for your nights out
The appearance of Venus in the morning sky is an exciting opportunity for early risers and stargazers alike. As the brightest planet in our solar system, Venus will be a striking addition to the dawn sky, often outshining other celestial objects. This is a great time to plan early morning outings, perhaps with a cup of coffee in hand, to enjoy the beauty of the sky as Venus makes its reappearance. Keep your eyes peeled for this dazzling planet as it brightens the pre-dawn horizon.
Originally reported by EarthSky. This summary was written by Dark Sky Guide.