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See A ‘Rainbow Planet’ As Venus Shrinks To A ‘Smiley Face’: Stargazing This Weekend
As the weekend approaches, stargazers are in for a treat as Venus takes on a stunning new form. This time, it won’t be just any ordinary appearance – we’re talking about the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the planet shrink into a ‘smiling’ crescent shape, often referred to as a “rainbow planet.”
As of this weekend, Earth’s atmosphere is behaving like a prism, splitting the light of Venus across the visible spectrum. This unique phenomenon will allow us to see the planet in an array of colors – from red to blue – creating a mesmerizing rainbow effect.
The best time to spot this breathtaking view is just after sunset when Venus can be seen low on the western horizon. Make sure to grab your telescope or binoculars and step outside 45 minutes post-sunset, as it will quickly sink into the twilight.
What makes this sighting even more captivating is that the crescent shape of Venus has taken on a familiar form – a smiley face. The irony here is not lost, given that we’re already witnessing a ‘blood moon’ just weeks prior. This eerie coincidence adds an extra layer of fascination to what’s already going to be a phenomenal visual experience.
So grab your gear and step outside this weekend for a night to remember!
