How do you observe the phases of Venus?

The phases of Venus, similar to those of the Moon, can be observed with the naked eye, binoculars, or a telescope. Due to its proximity to the Sun, Venus is only visible in the early morning or evening sky and is never seen at night. Observing Venus during the day is also possible but requires special equipment and safety precautions.

To observe the phases of Venus, first locate the planet in the sky using a star chart or a smartphone app. Then, using binoculars or a telescope, look at Venus and note its shape and brightness. Venus goes through four main phases: new, crescent, half, and gibbous, similar to the phases of the Moon. During the new phase, Venus is directly between the Earth and the Sun and appears as a small, dark disk. During the crescent phase, Venus appears as a thin crescent, gradually becoming wider during the half and gibbous phases. Venus appears fully lit during the full phase, but this phase is not visible from Earth.

To get the best views of Venus, choose a clear night with minimal light pollution and use a telescope with a magnification of at least 30x. Viewing Venus during the day requires a special filter, such as a solar filter, to protect your eyes from the Sun's glare. It is also important to use a stable mount or tripod to keep your telescope steady and avoid shaking or movement during observation.