There is no mistaking Venus now high in the western sky after sunset. Venus has moved into a favorable position for viewing and it will be there through the coming summer.
Its movement through the changing seasonal constellations is a benefit to us; Venus is our summer beacon.
Enjoy this celestial treasure. Venus is the brightest planet in our sky and it will hang in the west for hours after sunset before setting. By the end of this month Venus will be viewable for as much as two hours after sunset.
For those with binoculars, take a peek at Venus Sunday and Monday nights. Once twilight has grown dark enough, look to see Venus in front of a large star cluster. The star cluster is called M35, it is a favorite among all astronomers with telescopes.
In the bitter cold of winter, M35 is one of the top star clusters visible, high in the sky. Though barely visible without an optical aid, but with binoculars the star cluster glitters with hundreds of stars closely packed together, more than 100 are bright enough to see with some kind of scope.
Venus will move through several constellations in the months ahead, almost as fast as the Sun moves through the zodiac.
| Day | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|
| Fri., May 18 | 5:19 | 7:56 |
| Sat., May 19 | 5:18 | 7:57 |
| Sun., May 20 | 5:17 | 7:58 |
| Mon., May 21 | 5:16 | 7:59 |
| Tues., May 22 | 5:16 | 8:00 |
| Wed., May 23 | 5:15 | 8:01 |
| Thurs., May 24 | 5:14 | 8:02 |
| Fri., May 25 | 5:13 | 8:03 |
| Day | Max (Fº) | Min (Fº) | Inches |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 11 | 66 | 52 | 0.00 |
| May 12 | 71 | 43 | T |
| May 13 | 56 | 50 | 0.18 |
| May 14 | 55 | 50 | T |
| May 15 | 64 | 52 | T |
| May 16 | 67 | 55 | 0.08 |
| May 17 | 58 | 52 | 0.28 |
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