Venus wows early morning stargazers

By REUBEN SCHWARZ - Stuff.co.nz | Thursday, 06 March 2008

A bright object hanging next to the moon this morning wasn't a satellite or flying saucer, but Earth's twin sister Venus.

Richard Hall, president of the Phoenix Astronomical Society, said the solar system's smallest planet, Mercury, was also visible on the moon's other side, but it was not as bright as Venus.

He said having the two planets so close to the moon was unusual. "It can make quite a pretty picture early in the morning."

"Certainly Mercury's quite a bright object but sort of pales into insignificance alongside Venus."

Mr Hall said the two planets would be close to the moon for just a few more days.

More information is online at www.Astronomynz.org.nz