Venus and the Pleiades: Celestial Observations for July 9, 2025

On the morning of July 9, 2025, stargazers will be treated to a spectacular view as Venus, often referred to as the morning star, shines brightly in the eastern sky beneath the Pleiades star cluster, also known as the Seven Sisters. This celestial event invites both amateur and seasoned astronomers to observe the alignment of these prominent astronomical features shortly before dawn.

According to Alison Klesman, an astronomy writer for Astronomy.com, Venus will be positioned approximately 8.4 degrees below the Pleiades, making it easily identifiable to observers who venture outside about 90 minutes before sunrise. The estimated time for sunrise on this date is 5:40 AM local time, providing a perfect window for observation. Venus, with a magnitude of -4.1, will rise more than 10 degrees above the horizon as dawn approaches, creating a striking visual against the backdrop of the early morning sky.

Klesman notes that Venus is rapidly approaching Aldebaran, a prominent red giant star in the constellation Taurus, which will be located about 5 degrees below and slightly to the left of Venus. Aldebaran, shining with a magnitude of 0.9, adds to the enchanting scene, as Venus and Aldebaran together create the illusion of two bright eyes peering out from the constellation's visage. This close encounter is expected to occur next week, further enhancing the interest surrounding Venus's current trajectory.

Through telescopes, observers can appreciate Venus’s 17-inch wide disk, which is currently 67 percent illuminated. As Venus continues to move towards the horizon each day, it will wax and display increasing illumination as more of its cloud tops are lit by sunlight. Enthusiasts are encouraged to use low-power settings on their telescopes for optimal views of the Pleiades, which spans over 100 arcminutes across the sky.

In addition to the planetary action, the night sky will host a waxing gibbous moon, which will rise at 8:12 PM and set at 4:01 AM. At the time of observation, the moon will be 98 percent illuminated, adding another element to the evening’s celestial display.

For those interested in future astronomical events, Klesman suggests checking out the full Sky This Week column for additional information on noteworthy occurrences in the night sky. This week promises to be particularly exciting for astronomy aficionados, as Venus and the Pleiades offer a captivating glimpse into the wonders of our solar system.

As public interest in astronomy continues to grow, events like this highlight the accessibility of celestial observations. With proper timing and clear skies, anyone can enjoy the beauty and intrigue of our universe, making astronomy a shared passion for many.