Sunrise Sunset

Fri., Feb. 27 6:20 5:29

Sat., Feb. 28 6:18 5:30

Sun., Mar. 1 6:17 5:31

Mon., Mar. 2 6:15 5:32

Tues., Mar. 3 6:13 5:34

Wed., Mar. 4 6:12 5:35

Thurs., Mar. 5 6:10 5:36

Fri., Mar. 6 6:09 5:37

The brightest planet in the western sky is about to dramatically shift its place in the heavens. You have seen it if you have been outside after sunset. Venus is a spectacle, the brightest “star” in the sky.

In March, Venus shifts from an evening planet to a morning planet. The change happens within the span of a few weeks. In the nights ahead, the planet will appear lower in the western sky each night after sunset, until it vanishes, reappearing as a morning planet.

How does this happen to a planet?

Venus and the earth are speeding in their orbits around the sun. Venus is closer to the Sun than the earth, so it travels faster and completes its orbit quicker. In early March, Venus speeds ahead of the earth. Visually, the planet appears to get closer to the setting sun. Venus will speed ahead of the earth on March 25. On that date, Venus passes between the earth and the sun. When that happens, Venus moves into our morning sky, so enjoy the race while you can.

— M.A.L.