Venus is currently at its brightest as the “evening star.” The planet will reach its greatest brilliancy in the night sky this year on April 28. The planet will fade from the night sky near the end of May and return as the “morning star” in the third week of June.
Tips for Parents
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Here's how to talk to your child about it >>>
morning star
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4 activities you can do with your child now >>>
- Take your your child outside after sunset and look for Venus in the night sky. - Encourage your your child to ask questions about Venus, such as why it's so bright and why it's called the "evening star." - Use a star chart or astronomy app to locate other planets and stars in the night sky. - Have your your child draw a picture of what they saw in the night sky and talk about it together.
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Pretend play with your child >>>
GAME: Venus Brightness Hunt. Take your child outside at dusk and explain that Venus is the brightest planet in the sky right now. Challenge them to spot it and point it out to you. As the weeks go by, check back each night to see if they can still spot it until it fades away in May. Then, continue the game in June when it returns as the "morning star".
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1 moral thought for your child inspired by this >>>
Like Venus, our brightness may come and go. But it's important to shine our brightest when we can, and make the most of every moment.