Crescent Moon and Crescent Venus

Two Crescents

The evening sky features two crescents this week, that of the waxing Moon and waning Venus. The Moon's phases are quite familiar to all, but Venus goes through similar phases for similar reasons, and we can observe it from more than just the 'full' phase as we do with outer planets such as Jupiter and Saturn. Venus waxes and wanes like the Moon. This week as it comes close to inferior conjunction, it will resemble the Moon when viewed through a telescope or binoculars. You'll need a clear and low western horizon to see this view shortly after sunset.

More details on EarthSky: http://earthsky.org/space/as-2014-begins-venus-a-thin-crescent-in-bright-twilighthttp://earthsky.org/space/as-2014-begins-venus-a-thin-crescent-in-bright-twilight

Image courtesy of Sky & Telescope.