Sunrise Sunset

Fri., Feb. 5 6:49 5:01

Sat., Feb. 6 6:48 5:03

Sun., Feb. 7 6:47 5:04

Mon., Feb. 8 6:46 5:05

Tues., Feb. 9 6:45 5:07

Wed., Feb. 10 6:44 5:08

Thurs., Feb. 11 6:42 5:09

Fri., Feb. 12 6:41 5:10

Our twilight skies are in for a big change in the weeks ahead. The brilliant planet Venus makes her debut appearance low in the southwestern sky, right next to Jupiter. Venus is a good deal brighter than Jupiter, and the two will appear side by side for more than a week.

As of now, Venus is so low in the southwest after sunset that only those with a clear, unobstructed view of the horizon will see it. But in the weeks ahead, Venus will climb our western sky, and eventually dominate our evening gazes well into summer.

Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, will become more difficult to spot in the nights ahead as it gets closer to the glare of the setting sun. Jupiter will eventually disappear from view in March, leaving Venus to take its place as our evening planet.

Mars

The red planet Mars appears high in the east after sunset. Brighter than all stars in the east, it is easy to spot. By late evening, before midnight, Mars can be found high in the sky, near the zenith.

Groundhog Day

Had there been a groundhog on the Vineyard Tuesday, the animal would have seen its shadow. Skies were bright and clear in the morning. This doesn’t bode well for those impatient for the arrival of spring.

M.A.L.