Quote:
Originally Posted by CaroleH
Thanks, astro744, I understand the constellations being in same place; I was interested to know whether Venus meets up with these constellations annually, 'same time, same place, next year'?  |
No not next year as Venus is in a different orbit and moves faster around the Sun. It is not an annual event but will occur again when the orbits of Earth and Venus become in sync with the same background stars. I'll see if I can find out when the same occurs again. Meanwhile Venus will be in the evening sky near Regulus in the constellation of Leo and will set 3 hours after the Sun on 6 July 2018. Mercury will be half way between Venus and the Sun and will also be visible.
I too enjoy the dance of the planets as their many conjunctions with constellations, stars, the Moon and each other make astronomy fun to watch and no equipment is needed either. Enjoy the 'dance'!