After the Moon, Venus is the brightest natural object in the night sky. It is both the Earth's closest neighbor in our Solar System and the planet most similar to Earth in size, gravity, and composition. We can't see the surface of Venus from Earth, because it is covered with thick clouds.

Is Venus visible to human eye?

Only five planets are visible from Earth to the naked-eye; Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. The other two— Neptune and Uranus—require a small telescope. Times and dates given apply to mid-northern latitudes.

Can Venus be seen from Earth?

Although its continued brightness is perhaps Venus's most notable feature, it isn't just the brightest planet we can see from Earth, but rather an extreme, remarkable planet in a number of ways. Here's what gives Venus its remarkable, unique status within the Solar System.