There is a bright star in the west just after sunset, been there all month. There is another one that now is right next to the moon, I have also watched it for a month or more.
Am I correct in that they are not stars? Is the one in the west the planet Venus? Is the one next to the moon the planet Jupiter?
They just seem too bright to be stars.
Warren, I was pretty sure about Venus. I was not really sure about Jupiter.
GeoffG
Favorite Answer
Congratulations! You have correctly identified Venus and Jupiter. Take a look at them with binoculars or a small telescope. Venus will look like a tiny gibbous Moon and Jupiter will be accompanied by up to four tiny moons of its own. Now get up early in the Morning and go looking for Mars and Saturn.
Thomas
Venus is indeed in the western sky in the evening at the moment, and today Jupiter is close the Moon. Both Venus and Jupiter are always brighter than any actual star (other than the Sun). So you're probably right.
Dylan Patrick
Yes I know what you have been talking about. Thos two stars are indeed Jupiter and Venus. The first "star" to set Is Venus and the last you see is Jupiter.
Warren D
You are absolutely correct. I am surprised that an old sea dog like you would have to ask about the stars, but you knew anyway, didn't you?
As an enthusiastic aviation buff and as a pilot (currently not flying) who loved night flying, I should also know which planets are where without consulting any web sites, but I don't follow these day to day, so I am in the same boat (but not a destroyer) as you.
I like this web site for a good reference on evening stars. http://earthsky.org/tonight
I enjoyed your question.
PastaBella
Yes, you are correct in both accounts. Didn’t I tell you both of these yesterday when you asked what the light by the moon was.