Planetary alignment (1 Viewer)

[Peregrine Took]

I'm not an experienced stargazer. Tonight we looked at the planetary alignment... and I'm confused.

The lowest planet we could see to the horizon (UK about 6.30pm) seemed to be eclipsed, showing as a slim but very bright crescent (like the image below). None of the news items or YT videos I've watched mention this, but it seemed to be the most distinctive feature of the whole alignment.

I'd question my sanity, but my wife was with me and we both saw the same thing.

Can anyone explain this, please?

Thanks.


.

 

[AuntySocial]

That'll be Venus. We see it differently as it orbits the sun because it is nearer the sun than earth so has 'phases' like the moon.
Something like that, Google (or, better, a book) will explain it more accurately

 

[JTweedie]

It talks about Venus and its phases on this page: https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/news/venus-saturn-neptune-moon-1-february-2025

 

[jring]

Congratulations, Venus is not so easy to observe... next step up of the inner planets would be Mercury...

Joachim

 

[Peregrine Took]

Thanks guys. You explained it perfectly, AuntySocial... makes perfect sense and mystery (to me) solved.

Tonight was the first time I've pointed my new Kowa TSN-66A at the night sky. Boy, is this thing sharp. Had a very clear view of Jupiter and its moons, and Mars.

We'll be out again slightly earlier tomorrow to try and see more.
.