Waning crescent Moon in close conjunction with Saturn in the pre-dawn sky with Milky Way overhead

Tonight’s Sky – Venus glows low at dusk – September 18th

Venus glows low at dusk tonight, shining as the first bright point you notice after sunset.

  • Venus in the twilight: Look low in the southwest shortly after sunset. Venus becomes visible as dusk fades, around 7:34 PM Eastern, and slips below the horizon around 8:35 PM. Its brightness makes it an easy naked-eye find, but a clear, unobstructed horizon matters because it stays low.
  • Give the Moon a look: The Moon reaches first quarter today, with about 46% of its face lit. It rises in the afternoon, so it is already up when evening begins. Find it after sunset and watch the sharp line between lunar day and night.
  • Try the simple pairing: Start with Venus before the sky fully darkens, then turn to the Moon as it becomes the steadier, higher target. Even a city backyard can deliver both views.

Moon note: The Moon is at first quarter, about 46% illuminated, with moonrise at 2:39 PM Eastern.

Step outside for a few minutes tonight and let the fading light do the work. For more warm, easy sky notes, join the NOOMMED newsletter.


Get the NOOMMED newsletter

Weekly notes on tonight’s sky, meteor showers, planet meetups, and the strange discoveries reshaping how we see the universe.