Why is Venus so far from the Sun right now?

Can someone help explain to me why Venus is so far from the Sun right now?

I previously thought Venus was only visible just before sunrise or right after sunset, being closer to the sun than we are.

Now though I can see Venus rise at about 3:00 am where I am (NE Pennsylvania). The sun rises at 06:26.

Is it because Venus and Earth are at right angles relative to the sun?

Originally posted by taibunsuu
Is it because Venus and Earth are at right angles relative to the sun?

Venus is just about at it's greatest elongation from the Sun. That's the furthest away from the Sun as visibly possible. So pretty much right angles relative to the Sun, yeah.

I recommend using this, it's very good in visualising orbits of planets. (and why their movement in sky is that we see)
www.shatters.net...

If anyone hasn't used this program yet, I recommend it very highly... I downloaded it, and it is extremely detailed, very interesting, and quite beautiful.

Originally posted by cmdrkeenkid

Originally posted by taibunsuu
Is it because Venus and Earth are at right angles relative to the sun?

Venus is just about at it's greatest elongation from the Sun. That's the furthest away from the Sun as visibly possible. So pretty much right angles relative to the Sun, yeah.

Cool. Thanks for that info. Thanks for that program also E_T.

You might also want to check out Starry Night (you can download a free evaluation version). Best pc/mac astronomy software in my opinion.
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