The waxing crescent moon and the dazzling planet Venus are the first two celestial lights to appear after sunset on January 25, 2012.
Millions around the world noticed these same two objects a month ago, when the moon swept past Venus in the western twilight sky. They will dazzle you tonight and tomorrow night if you look for them in the twilight sky.
The planet Jupiter has edged noticeably close to Venus. You can notice Jupiter tonight, of course, but by January 27, the moon will be in between Venus and Jupiter.
Moon between Venus and Jupiter on January 27, 2012
After the sun, the moon and Venus rank as the second- and third-brightest heavenly bodies, respectively. Jupiter is the fourth-brightest object. When these brilliant sky objects get together, people across Earth’s entire globe spot them and gaze with wonder. Since the moon is a slim crescent now, you might glimpse a pale glow – called earthshine – on its darkened portion.
Time of earthshine on a crescent moon
Don’t wait too long after sunset, if you wish to catch Venus and the moon. From most places worldwide, the moon will follow the sun beneath the horizon first, at dusk or early evening. Venus will set an hour or two after dark. Although the lunar crescent and Venus shine fairly close together this evening, most places around the world will see these two shining orbs closest together tomorrow, on the evening of Thursday, January 26, 2012.
Looking for a sky almanac
If you have binoculars, be sure to grab them. The best view of the lunar landscape is found along the terminator, or where it’s sunrise on the waxing moon. The best time to observe with binoculars is during twilight, before the sky becomes very dark and the moon too contrasty and bright.
