Venus & ISS The brightest planet in the solar system is reaching
its peak luminosity. On April 30th, Venus will shine at
astronomical magnitude -4.7. That’s 190 times brighter than a
1st magnitude star, bright enough to see in broad daylight if
your eye lands right on it. Yesterday in the Czech Republic,
something drew Martin Gembec’s eye directly to Venus. His guide
was the International Space Station. “We had a nice sunny
afternoon picnic here in Jablonec,” says Gembec. “In the clear
blue sky overhead, the ISS went right through Venus. It was a
special moment.” No ISS? No problem. Even without a spaceship,
you can find Venus by looking 40° (about four fist-widths) east
of the sun. Observing tip: Stand in the shadow of a tall
building. You can also wait until the sun goes down. Venus is
terrifically brilliant in the western twilight.