During which phase is Venus closest to Earth, though perhaps less bright overall than other phases?

Answer

When it appears as a bright crescent

Like the Moon, Venus exhibits phases because observers view varying amounts of its sunlit side as it orbits. The phase relates inversely to the distance in some key aspects. When Venus appears as a bright crescent, it means it is positioned very close to Earth in its orbit, near inferior conjunction. Although it is physically closest during this crescent phase, the angle means that only a small portion of its illuminated surface is visible to us, making it appear smaller overall than when it is farther away. Conversely, when Venus is fullest (fully illuminated), it is farther away, appearing smaller and less bright overall compared to its peak brightness phase.

During which phase is Venus closest to Earth, though perhaps less bright overall than other phases?

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What's That Bright Star in the Sky? It's Not a Star, It's Venus - YouTube

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