What Is That Bright Star In The West After Sunset?

Venus is the bright “star” visible in the western sky after sunset, not a star at all but the planet Venus.

Its orbit will make it climb higher and shine even more brightly in the evening sky over the coming months.

Key 2026 milestones include peak visibility around the summer, then a shift toward the Sun’s glare and back to a morning appearance by October.

Observers will also see Venus change phases, including a crescent shape near the notable date markers in June, August, and September 2026.