diamond in the sky

[sunspotbaby]

Last night, about 7:30 in the southwestern sky there was a huge (or close) star or planet It looked like a big diamond. I was amazed how bright and big it was. Anyone know what it was ?
Please don't say it's a satellite. I need to learn about my "space"

 

[Kurt]

Most likely Venus.

 

[Smiling JOe]

yep, Venus, ... or a UFO.

 

[lerxst]

most mistaken planet

http://www.earthsky.org/radioshows/52904/venus-at-greatest-elongation-january-14

 

[Smiling JOe]

lerxst, why do you change the title to "most mistaken planet?" Is it because so many people think that the planets are stars?

 

[sunspotbaby]

Well, I'll be looking for it (briefly!) tonight again. While watching it last night, it almost looked like it had rings around it creating a 4 point illusion, like a cross. Really cool! :shock:

 

[lerxst]

lerxst, why do you change the title to "most mistaken planet?" Is it because so many people think that the planets are stars?

sorry about that. I originally found a link from 2004 (which would still be relevant today) that explained how venus is the most mistaken planet for a UFO. I just forgot to change the title. But yes, people do confuse planets with stars also. Stars shine on their own like the sun of course and planets reflect the sun like our moon.

 

[Smiling JOe]

Are you serious that people mistake Venus for a UFO? I was just making that up. lol.

 

[sunspotbaby]

i can't say UFO didn't enter my mind last night. :roll:
Any good links for "getting to know the sky" ? before I google and have to sift thru. Jackie is very curious about space, the moon, etc. so I'm trying to provide accurate answers.

 

[lerxst]

Are you serious that people mistake Venus for a UFO? I was just making that up. lol.

evidently they do, here's that original link

http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2004/03may_maximumvenus.htm