New Jersey is notorious for its light pollution but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the night sky! Even near the bright lights of New York City, I’ve enjoyed meteor showers, supermoons, and a whole host of planets. Sure, you can see more in places like Sussex County and Cape May County, further from New York and Philadelphia, but wherever you are in the Garden State, you can see Venus.
On April 27th, you can see Venus in a very special way.
WikiImages/Pixabay
Venus is Earth’s neighbor, and the second planet from the sun.
WikiImages/Pixabay
It is named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty. Venus is a terrestrial planet, like Earth, meaning that it composed primarily of rocks or metals. Unlike Earth, its atmosphere is about 96% Carbon Dioxide.
Image: NASA.gov
Other than the moon, it is the brightest object in the night sky. It can sometimes be seen during the day!
Hans Braxmeier/Pixabay
At around 9 p.m. EST on April 27th, Venus will hit its greatest illuminated extent.
Stephen Rahn/Flickr
What does this mean for us? During and around this time, Venus will be at its brightest for 2020.
Jürgen Mangelsdorf/Flickr
April 27th is the perfect time to enjoy the planet, which can be easily seen without a telescope. I’ve checked the weather across New Jersey and it’s promising at night. However, if we do end up with a cloudy sky, April 28th will still be a spectacular time to enjoy the celestial show. Be sure to skywatch before 11:30 p.m., when Venus will set over the Garden State. Stay up after it dips below the horizon for a chance to see Jupiter and Saturn, which are also set to be bright in the sky around 2 a.m. – 4 a.m.!
WikiImages/Pixabay
Image: NASA.gov
Hans Braxmeier/Pixabay
Stephen Rahn/Flickr
Jürgen Mangelsdorf/Flickr
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