Light in the sky identified

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 241, 26 April 1988, Page 3

Light in the sky identified

Waimarino stargazers may have seen bright lights in the evening sky - but they can be assured that it is not the heralding the arrival of little green men. After receiving several enquiries from local people about a certain large bright 'star' that is presently appearing in the western skies, the Bulletin contacted the experts at the Carter Observatory in Wellington. Astronomer Frank Andrews said the 'star' is the planet Venus, which will appear at its brightest between May 20-23. The atmosphere of the planet, is composed chiefly of clouds of sulphuric acid - a yellow white colour. "The clouds of gas re-

flect the sun's light very efficiently, making the planet appear very large and bright. "It is so bright, in a dark place it can actually cast a shadow on a white surface. "Venus passes closer to the Earth than any other planet in our solar system. "Apparent colour changes in the planet's surface are a result of a very common optical effect. As we are seeing it at a fairly low altitude we are looking at it obliquely, rather than if it was high above us. "Sometimes air acts like a lens and splits light into colours. When you have a heavy westerly wind the air is very turbulent. "It's a little like looking at a fifty cent piece through water - its surface is distorted."