The Bridge V Learning Edition 1 ; our solar system | Page 28

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only be observed during the day (especially during twilight, when the sunlight is not
so bright anymore). They can be observed in the western direction in the late evening
(after the Sun has just set there) or in the eastern direction in the early morning (just
before the Sun rises). In everyday language, Venus is called an evening or morning
star, because of its apparent brightness during those parts of the day. However,
Venus merely reflects sunlight, instead of producing light itself, like stars. In contrast,
Mercury is difficult to see because it’s even closer to the Sun, giving us a narrower
time span to observe it. Furthermore, it’s smaller and farther away.
For simplicity, we now only leave the Earth and Jupiter on the cloth, in addition to the
Sun. When can we see Jupiter (and the other outer planets)? This depends on where
it is in its orbit. Sometimes it can be seen at night, which makes it much easier to
spot. Also, Jupiter is – just like the other gas giants – much bigger than Mercury and
Venus. The only disadvantage in terms of visibility is that the gas giants are farther
away from us.
Mercury
Venus
Mercury
Earth
Credit: UNAWE / C.Provot
Related activities: 4.2, 4.6
Venus
Earth