Feature Astronomy

Shades of Venus

Our neighbor in the solar system holds a lantern on faraway planets

By Ron Cowen

- More than 2 years ago

LUNAR REFLECTION. Simulation of Venus’ transit of the sun as reflected in moonlight. Schneider
PLANETARY LINEUP. Artist’s depiction of a transit of Venus, which occurs when the orbits of Earth and Venus cross and the planets align with the sun. Courtesy Smithsonian Institution Libraries, JPL, Raytheon Corp.