2021, September – October: Venus and the Scorpion

Venus moves through the classic Scorpion (Libra, Scorpius, and Ophiuchus) during the next 46 days.  The planet is south of the ecliptic, appearing in regions of the constellations that we might not expect to see it. Venus closes in on Earth. The observing interval occurs at nearly mid-twilight so that dimmer stars are easier to see than earlier in the apparition.  Venus sets later each evening and brightens in the sky. On October 9, the moon is near Venus and Delta Scorpii. A week later, Venus passes Antares. Look for an evening half phase through a telescope near the end of October and the evening greatest elongation.

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://whenthecurveslineup.com/2021/03/16/2021-september-october-venus-and-the-scorpion/