The close approach will be visible after sunset, as the sky above the western horizon gradually begins to darken. Venus will appear as a bright point near the thin crescent Moon.
The disk of Earth's natural satellite will be illuminated by around 15 percent. The slim phase will make it easier to discern details along the boundary between light and shadow, although its low position above the horizon may reduce image sharpness due to atmospheric turbulence.
The angular distance between the Moon and Venus will be around 3.5 degrees. This corresponds to roughly seven diameters of the Moon's disk as seen from Earth.
Until what time to observe the close approach
Observations should begin as soon as possible after sunset. The Moon and Venus will gradually descend over the western horizon, disappearing below it at around 10:30 p.m.
The best conditions will be offered by a location with an unobstructed view to the west. Buildings, trees and local elevations may shorten the visibility of the phenomenon, as both objects will be low above the horizon.
No telescope will be needed for observation. The conjunction of the Moon and Venus will be clearly visible to the naked eye, while binoculars will provide a clearer view of the crescent and earthshine on the unilluminated part of the Moon's disk.
A simple smartphone shot of the Moon and Venus
Today's close approach offers good conditions for taking basic photographs of the sky. The 3.5-degree separation will make it possible to capture both objects even with a smartphone camera, without using high magnification.
It is worth keeping the phone or camera still, ideally on a tripod or stable surface. A short exposure time will limit overexposure of the Moon's crescent, while lowering the ISO sensitivity will reduce noise in the darkening sky.
A wider frame can include a treeline, buildings or a distant landscape. Photography should begin before 10:00 p.m., as later the Moon and Venus will already be rapidly approaching the western horizon.
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