Focus Night: Venus

The Venus Focus Night centers on a planet that has fascinated humans for thousands of years. Brilliant and unmistakable, Venus often appears as the “Evening Star” or “Morning Star,” dominating the twilight sky. During this Focus Night, we’ll explore why Venus is so bright, how it moves through our sky, and what makes it one of the most intriguing and extreme planets in the solar system.

The evening begins with a lively, accessible presentation that unpacks Venus’s unique character. You’ll learn about its thick cloud cover, runaway greenhouse effect, and scorching surface temperatures, as well as how Venus challenges our understanding of Earth-like planets. We’ll also explore Venus’s deep cultural and historical significance, from ancient civilizations that tracked its motions to modern spacecraft that have revealed its hidden surface.

Following the presentation, we’ll turn to the telescopes to observe Venus directly. While its clouds conceal surface details, Venus rewards observers with changing phases, much like the Moon, that reveal its position and motion relative to Earth and the Sun. Watching Venus shift from a slender crescent to a glowing disk offers a powerful reminder that we are observing a dynamic, moving solar system.

Perfect for curious newcomers and seasoned skywatchers alike, the Venus Focus Night invites you to see a familiar sight with new understanding. Join us for an evening of discovery that transforms a bright point of light into a world full of drama, history, and scientific intrigue.