WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM - Astro Minute: The Morning "Star"

Episode Date: February 4, 2025

The morning "star" is no star at all. Learn more on today's episode of Astro Minute!

Welcome to the Astro Minute, where we're exploring the universe 60 seconds out of time. I'm Lauren Smith, and today we're looking at the morning and evening star. Venus is the brightest object in our sky after the sun and moon. It's similar to Earth in size and composition, but that's about all. Venus spins backward, has no seasons, no moon, and a day that lasts eight Earth months. Its thick carbon dioxide atmosphere shrouds the hottest planet in the solar system at a sweltering 900 degrees Fahrenheit. Venus is approaching Earth and will reach its peak brightness in mid-February.

Interestingly, since it lies between the Earth and the Sun, Venus has phases like our moon and will actually be a waning crescent at its peak brightness. Look for Venus as a brilliant evening object in the twilight west through February. It will disappear in the sun's glare in March, then reappear in April as a beautiful morning object. That's your Astro Minute.