Often referred to as the evening star, Venus is absolutely radiant in the gathering twilight this week. It reaches a configuration known as the greatest eastern elongation on 10 January, when it will be at its maximum angular distance east from the sun, about 47 degrees. This means that it lingers in the sky long after sunset, making it an easy target for stargazers.
The chart shows the views looking south-west from London at 18.00GMT on 10 January. Venus will be exceptionally bright and totally unmistakable. It will also be easily visible from the southern hemisphere.
