Don't miss Venus and the moon Friday night

Look west just after sunset, and you will see a beautiful pairing of the moon and Venus. You can't miss these two, and you certainly won't need a telescope to spot them.

Venus and the moon in late February by Dave Samuhel

The moon will be very close to Venus both Friday and Saturday evenings. The moon will be 11.4% illuminated Friday evening. On Saturday, the moon will be much brighter at 18.3% illuminated. The two are the brightest objects in the night sky.

Venus is in the sky until nearly midnight! Venus will remain high in the evening sky through April. But then it will drop quickly toward the horizon through the month in May as it swings to a position between us and the sun. By late June, you will  have to wake up before dawn to see Venus. Venus will not reappear in the evening sky until May of 2021! So enjoy the evening show while we have it! 

Venus and the moon in late February. Photo credit, AccuAstronomy Facebook friend Tim WoZny.

While you are out this evening, you may be able to see Comet ATLAS with binoculars. Check out our guide on viewing the comet. If you can find the Big Dipper, you can find the comet! 

If you have any pictures of the moon and Venus, or anything astronomy related, please send them to the AccuWeather Astronomy Facebook! 

Astronomy is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. Get outside, unplug and just look up; you never know what you will see!