Greatest elongation – when Venus will reach its farthest distance from the sunset – will happen at 6 UTC on August 15, 2026. Afterwards, shortly before Venus itself drops into the sunset, Venus will reach another greatest brilliancy in the evening sky. Magnitude at greatest elongation: Venus will be shining at magnitude -4.4. 2026 Venus finder chartsA comparison of elongationsNot all of Venus’ greatest elongations are created equal. More Venus evening elongation comparisons for 2026Venus events in 2026January 6, 2026: Superior conjunction (passed behind sun from Earth)August 15, 2026: Greatest elongation (evening)October 24, 2026: Inferior conjunction (races between Earth and sun)January 3, 2027: Greatest elongation (morning)Bottom line: Look for Venus after sunset!