See Venus Cross Paths With Saturn With Your Naked Eyes All This Week

This week is Lunar New Year, signified by the New Moon, but in its wake something spectacular will be on show in as the glow of sunset fades—a tangle of Venus and Saturn.

The two planets will be closest on Sunday, January 22, 2022, but from tonight they will appear to dance closely. All you have to do is look to the southwest about 45 minutes after sunset where you are.

Here are evening-by-evening charts for the next seven night that show exactly what you’ll see 45 minutes after sunset—with the best views from Friday through Monday. Naked eyes are all you need!

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Thursday, January 19, 2023

Friday, January 20, 2023

Saturday, January 21, 2023

Sunday, January 22, 2023: Venus and Saturn in conjunction

Venus, shining at magnitude -3.9, will pass 0°21’ (only a third of a degree) to the south of Saturn, much dimmer at just magnitude 0.7. If you use a small telescope or a pair of binoculars then you’ll see them both together in the same field of view.

Monday, January 23, 2023: Crescent moon, Saturn and Venus

After a conjunction of Venus and Saturn yesterday tonight brings a chance to see a slim 6%-lit crescent moon appearing close to the two planets still only a degree apart. All three celestial bodies will appear in a line—a beautiful sight! Look west straight after sunset, but be quick because the entrancing sight will sink out of view soon after.

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

The now 13%-lit crescent moon may have moved away from the planets in the post-sunset sky, but it’s still worth seeing the planets close together.

The next planetary conjunction will be between Venus and Jupiter in March 2023.

Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.