Night sky

[Mentalmum]

Can anyone name the two very large stars seen low in the southern sky in the early evening. Could one of them be Venus? Thanks!

[mibn2cweus]

When they are currently positioned in the night sky Venus and Jupiter are respectively the third and fifth brightest celestial objects following the Sun and Moon.

Mars at its brightest (when ideally positioned opposite the Sun with respect to the Earth) shines slightly brighter than Jupiter at its brightest.
Mars is currently emerging from the Sun�s glare and will be visible in the early morning sky in another month.

The ISS (International Space Station) and several satellites in close Earth orbit periodically outshine the planets although only for from a second to several minutes with an obvious motion relative to the stars.

Venus and Jupiter now visible in the early evening in the southwest are on their way to visit the Sun where they will be lost in its glare so enjoy them while you can.

[Postdog]

From your post you have seen pics, but if you haven't http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article -1090861/The-smile-sky-Rare-cosmic-alignment-s ees-Venus-Jupiter-grin-heavens.html

[Whickerman]

the other night venus appeared from behind a very thin crescent moon, with Jupiter above it. It was lovely to see.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/20 08/1202/1228169325262.html

This photo doesn't do it justice as it was taken too late - in fact it looked like venus was attached to the crescent for a while.

[Mentalmum]

Thanks folks,knew i could depend on you!!

[mibn2cweus]

Thanks folks,knew i could depend on you!!

I was hesitating to fess up to an inaccuracy but now that I know that someone is actually watching and counting on my information I am guiltily spurred to offer the following clarification:

Venus and Jupiter are actually diverging in opposite directions from where they participated in the famous convergence in the beginning of the month. Jupiter is indeed moving towards a conjunction with the Sun on 24, January 2009, however, Venus will continue to set later (and further north) in the evening becoming its brightest in February.

Hey, it�s not my fault if a planet insists on moving backwards in the sky!