{
  "id": 888687,
  "title": "Can Venus cast a shadow? Here's how to see it for yourself",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/can-venus-cast-a-shadow-heres-how-to-see-it-for-yourself",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-14T16:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Space.com",
    "slug": "space-com",
    "url": "https://www.space.com/stargazing/can-venus-cast-a-shadow-heres-how-to-see-it-for-yourself"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Venus, the second planet from the sun, has the unique ability to cast a faint shadow when it is near its brightest point in the sky. However, this phenomenon may be difficult to observe in bright urban environments, where artificial lighting can obscure the shadow. To successfully witness Venus casting a shadow, one must find a location free from light pollution, with a dark, clear sky. Venus will reach its greatest eastern elongation, an optimal point for observing, on August 14-15, 2026. At this time, the planet will be approximately 46 degrees away from the sun and shine at a magnitude of -4.3 to -4.4, making it visible in the evening sky. To capture the shadow, a person should face Venus, place a white surface, such as a card or sheet, facing the planet, and then position an object in front of the card to cast a shadow. Photographing the card will offer the best chance of capturing the faint shadow. Alternatively, observing the reflection of Venus' light on water, such as a pond, lake, or ocean, can also provide an opportunity to see the planet's shadow.",
  "summary": "As Venus gets close to its greatest brilliancy in the evening sky, it’s a good time to test one of astronomy’s less believable claims.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}