Venus
Has Phases, About every 1 yr. and 7 mos. Venus comes around from behind the Sun, after its superior conjunction, and moves in its orbit closer to the Earth with each month. As it does this, Venus gets bigger and brighter and the planet's illumination angle changes. During this time earthlings can witness the telescopic phases of this planet in the early evening sky. 2004 and 2012 Venus Transit Years 2004 and 2012 are two years that Venus goes through the same phases at similar times and is about the same distance from the Earth at these times, so these years will be used to describe the phases of this planet. 2004 and 2012 are also the Venus transit years, when the planet can be seen crossing the Sun. Keep reading to learn more. When Venus journeys away from the far side of the Sun toward the Earth, it can be seen in the early evening sky. During this time Venus moves from a full phase toward a thin crescent phase (left side of the image). When Venus moves from a thin crescent phase toward a full phase, the planet is moving away from the earth (right side of the image) and is visible in the early morning sky. Phases
of Venus Also see this image. In 2004 and 2012 evening Venus is in its gibbous phase January 31 (more than half lit on left side of image above). In this phase Venus appears 75% illuminated and is nearly 105 million miles (169 million kilometers) from Earth. By March 29 in both years Venus is in its first quarter phase, half lit or 50% illuminated and about 64 million miles (103 million kilometers) from earth. March 29, 2004 and March 27, 2012 Venus is at its greatest elongation, angular distance east of the Sun. (half lit Venus on the left of the image above) Even though less and less of Venus is illuminated as it nears Earth, the planet grows brighter and brighter. This occurs because it is moving closer to the Earth and appears bigger and bigger. As the distance between Earth and Venus shrinks the apparent diameter of Venus increases and so does the area of its illuminated surface. A thin crescent Venus closer to the Earth looks bigger and, therefore, brighter than a small full Venus farther away from Earth. Thus, Venus thins, "fattens" and brightens simultaneously! Review the above image.
Venus is the brightest of all planets, because it is the closest planet to the Earth. In the night sky this planet is brighter than all the stars and second in brightness only to our Moon. Often it is mistaken for a UFO! Also, as discussed above, Venus appears even brighter when the planet is in its crescent phase. A third reason for its blazing brightness is that Venus is completely enshrouded in layers of bright clouds. These white sulphuric clouds around the planet act like a mirror, reflecting over 75% of the sunlight striking it. In 2004 and 2012, evening Venus is at its brightest in mid spring, reaching its greatest brilliancy for these apparitions, magnitude –4.7, on May 3, 2004 and April 30, 2012. At this time Venus is only 42 million miles away (68 million kilometers). On these dates Venus is about 27% illuminated and still moving toward the Earth (left side of the image above, the waning crescent phase preceding the very thin crescent Venus.) Note: Morning Venus also has a greatest brilliancy December 12, 2005 and December 10, 2013. On these dates Venus is about 23% illuminated and moving away from the Earth (right side of the image above, the waxing crescent phase following the very thin crescent Venus). Greatest brilliancy occurs about 36 days before and after Venus is positioned between the Earth and Sun in what is known as inferior conjunction. Aspects of Venus Retrograde Venus As crescent Venus approaches and passes the time it lies between the Earth and Sun (inferior conjunction), the planet appears to move in a reverse motion through the stars and constellations. This apparent "backward movement" is called a retrograde and lasts about 40 days for Venus: in 2004 May 17 - June 29 and in 2012 May 15 - June 27. Compare the retrograde motion for Venus in 2004 and 2012. When Venus is retrograde, it is in a close approach to Earth and has a strong influence on our planet. It is said that at this time humanity learns important lessons about the true value of relationships. Interactions with people and things are evaluated. During its retrograde cycle Venus moves from a waning crescent phase in the evening sky to a new phase at its inferior conjunction and finally to a waxing crescent phase in the morning sky. Evening retrograde Venus, in a waning crescent phase, is seen low on the western sunset horizon sinking into the Sun's glaring light preceding inferior conjunction. When retrograde Venus passes inferior conjunction it switches from the western sunset horizon to the eastern sunrise horizon. About 10 days after its inferior conjunction morning Venus, in a waxing crescent phase, can be seen rising out of the Sun's glaring light. The orbit of morning Venus moves it away from Earth toward the far side of the Sun. Review image above. Note: When tracked, the motion of 5 Venus retrogrades in 8 years form two striking patterns in the heavens. One, from the solar system's perspective, is a 5-pointed star. The other, from the Earth's perspective, is "the beautiful rose" with 5 inner petals. Learn more about the pentagonal cycle and the rose / heart cycle. A new 5-pointed star and beautiful rose began with the with the 2012 Venus Transit. The Venus / Earth connection at a higher turn of the spiral is symbolic of the relationship between the Soul and personality. When Venus is closest to us, it lies between the Earth and Sun at inferior conjunction with its illuminated surface facing the Sun. We can't see Venus at this time because no light is reflected toward us! This is a New Venus, similar to a New Moon. The New Venus lies hidden in the Sun's glare ready to switch from the sunset to the sunrise horizon. Venus' Phases Nov. 2003 - June 2004 Phases Venus Feb. 27, 2004 - June 8, 200
A New Venus, like a New Moon, can only be seen when its orbit passes directly in front of the Sun. It is then observed from Earth as a black dot crossing (eclipsing/hiding) a tiny part of the Sun! This rare event is called a Venus transit. 2004 Venus Transit Gallery One's eyes must be protected when viewing it. 6 Safe Viewing Techniques This Venus Transit Animation begins at the surface of Venus where heat ripples distort the scene in a shimmering heat bath. As we leave Venus and move off into space, we arrive at Earth and watch as Venus falls behind us and finally passes across the face of the Sun. Source: Sun-Earth Day Venus is in its new phase June 8, 2004 and June 5/6, 2012. These two days are Venus transit dates and have esoteric significance. On these days Venus is a mere 27 million miles (43 million kilometers) away from the Earth. The Venus transit of December 6, 1882 preceded this pair of transits and there will not be another until December 11, 2117! Note: Tuesday, June 5, 2012, 6:09:22pm PDT (June 6, 01:09:22 UT) marks the mid-point of the 2012 Venus transit. The transit starts about 3 hours before this time and continues about 3 hours after. Venus 2004 Transit / The Gemini Night Sky 2004 Venus Transit Impression Sent to SouledOut.org Venus Transits, Pentagonal Cycle of Venus, Cycles of the Heart Venus Transits & The Return of the Divine Feminine NASA: 2004 and 2012 Venus Transits The 2012 Venus Transit: Complete Coverage In Summary Venus has phases like the Moon. These are seen with a telescope, although some say they can see a crescent Venus with the unaided eye. Venus moves from a full phase to a waning crescent phase in the evening sky. A New "invisible" Venus occurs at inferior conjunction when its illuminated side faces the Sun away from the Earth. At rare times a New Venus can be seen as a black dot crossing the Sun; this is called a Venus transit. After inferior conjunction the planet switches from the sunset to the sunrise horizon. Venus then moves from a waxing crescent phase back to a full phase in the morning sky. Venus reaches greatest brilliancy in both the evening and morning sky, about 36 days before and after inferior conjunction. The 2004 and 2012 transits of Venus mark the beginning of two 8-year cycles of movement for the planet. Each cycle of movement when charted forms a five-pointed star and a beautiful rose in the heavens! Five makes possible the Ascension. A new 5-pointed star and beautiful rose begin with the with the 2012 Venus Transit. See the two heavenly patterns formed by Venus in 8 years, one from the solar system's perspective, the other from the Earth's perspective. A Venus transit like an eclipse has a dark side to it. Once the shadowy nature is revealed, a healing and an evolution of consciousness can take place.
On the lighter side ...
Venus represents the Sacred Feminine. It is the planet of Higher Love, human unity, beauty and creativity. It is known as the Bringer of Light. When Venus is in its new phase and dances invisibly in the light of the Sun or takes center stage during a Venus transit, the rays of the Sun transmit Venusian qualities to Earth. We are truly blessed when we can receive these emanations. Ancient Mayan prophecy proclaims that the 2012 Venus transit gives birth to the new world of consciousness. Look Up! This is a marvelous and breathtaking planet. Be amazed and delighted! Transit
Observer Image
the Telescopic Phase of Venus from 1700-2100 Galileo
and Venus' Phases
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