Venus Passes Between Earth and Sun This Weekend

This weekend, Venus will undergo an inferior conjunction, passing directly between the Earth and the Sun. The conjunction is expected to occur around 9 p.m. EDT on Saturday, but observing it with the naked eye will be nearly impossible due to the Sun's glare. Astronomers refer to this event as a 'Venus kiss' because of the close proximity of the two celestial bodies. While the conjunction itself won't be visible without special equipment, skywatchers can catch glimpses of Venus transitioning from the evening to the morning sky in the days following the event. Venus will appear as a thin crescent before and after the conjunction, but only telescopes will reveal its details. This event offers a chance to learn more about Venus and its phases, even if it lacks dramatic visual appeal.