"As February progresses here in 2026, the brightest planet in the night sky, Venus, will begin to rise in the western skies just after sunset. Later in February, it will be joined by Mercury and Saturn, forming a triple treat for skywatchers to enjoy. Venus, as always, is a spectacular highlight. Brighter than any other star or planet in the night sky, it's close enough that you can see it exhibit the full suite of phases from crescent to full and back again"
"The above photograph shows Venus next to Jupiter - the second brightest planet, shining brighter than even the brightest star in the sky - as it appeared during conjunction on March 1, 2023. At that moment, Venus appeared about five-and-a-half times brighter than Jupiter, or nearly two full astronomical magnitudes: more than the brightness difference between Mizar and Alcor in the handle of the Big Dipper."
As February 2026 progresses, Venus rises in western skies just after sunset. Later in February Mercury and Saturn join, creating a visible triple conjunction for evening skywatchers. Venus displays a full suite of phases from crescent to full and back again that are visible through binoculars or any consumer telescope. Venus outshines every other nighttime object except the Moon. During the March 1, 2023 conjunction with Jupiter, Venus appeared about five-and-a-half times brighter than Jupiter, nearly two astronomical magnitudes, exceeding the brightness difference between Mizar and Alcor. Venus combines remarkable brightness with extreme atmospheric and planetary characteristics. Gravitational attraction and solar wind processes exert opposing influences on its atmosphere, with gravity retaining gases while solar radiation and wind strip them away.
Read at Big Think
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