Clear skies between the gathering storm clouds have brought an astronomical treat to Bristol and the South West over recent nights
A small bright white light has been sparkling brightly next to the moon and was particularly visible over the weekend and in some areas today (Tuesday, December 7).
But it is not a star.
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It is the planet Venus which has put on such a show on these cold December evenings.
Because Venus is closer to the sun than the Earth, the planet orbits within our planet's path through the galaxy.
When it is on the far side of the sun it can't be seen from Earth, but as it moves into view it becomes larger and brighter.
Venus also reflects a lot of the sunlight that strikes it due to the mirror-like acid clouds that surround it.
It’s notoriously difficult to get pictures of stars, the moon and other astronomical objects and events and from mobile phones.
If you have taken any, please sent them to us. Get in touch by email at bristolpostnews@localworld.co.uk
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