What is the minimum angular distance from the Sun for Venus to be visible?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on determining the minimum angular distance from the Sun at which Venus can be seen with the naked eye. It explores observational conditions and factors affecting visibility, rather than providing a definitive answer.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the minimum angular distance for Venus to be visible to the naked eye.
  • Several participants question whether the inquiry is a homework question, suggesting it should be posted in a different section if so.
  • Another participant suggests that ten degrees might be too close for visibility, expressing a desire for more informed opinions.
  • A participant references a source from Sky and Telescope, noting that Venus can be visible at low altitudes shortly after sunset or before sunrise, but visibility can be affected by atmospheric conditions like haze.
  • One participant proposes that visibility may depend on Venus's position relative to the Sun, suggesting it might be visible sooner if it is behind the Sun due to better illumination.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the minimum angular distance for visibility, and multiple viewpoints regarding the conditions affecting visibility are presented.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about atmospheric conditions and the geometry of Venus's position relative to the Sun, which may influence visibility but are not fully resolved.

Who May Find This Useful

Astronomy enthusiasts, students studying celestial observations, and individuals interested in the visibility of planets in the sky may find this discussion relevant.

kaleidoscope
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What is the minimum angular distance from the Sun for Venus to be visible TO THE NAKED EYE?
 
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Is this a homework question? If so, please post it in the homework-help section and show the work that you have done so far.
 
turbo said:
Is this a homework question? If so, please post it in the homework-help section and show the work that you have done so far.

NOT at all!

BTW, I think ten degrees would be to close to see, but I'm looking for a more informed opinion.
 
kaleidoscope, On Sky and Telescope's website you can search for more detailed facts about viewing Venus near the sun. Here is a report from where you may begin:

“To the left it is Venus as photographed last evening just after sundown. It had an altitude of only 6°at sunset (lat. 38° Ν) and was visible to the naked eye. This morning i tried to locate it again (altitude 5°at sunrise from my site). Managed to photograph it (right photo), but this time it wasn't visible to the naked eye due to haze.”

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/community/gallery/celestial/41967767.html
 
I would think that the answer would depend upon whether Venus is nearly behind or in front of the sun, and that it would be visible sooner if behind since it would be more fully illuminated.
 
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