Venus reaches its greatest brightness today, giving you one brilliant but low target just after sunset.

What to see

• Venus: Look low in the west just after sunset, around 7:00 PM Eastern. It reaches greatest brightness today, but it hugs the horizon and is difficult to catch. Find an open western view and start looking as twilight fades.
• Saturn: Look low in the east around 8:00 PM Eastern. It stays visible for most of the night, making it the easier planet tonight. Find a clear horizon and give your eyes a little patience.
• The Moon: A waxing gibbous with about 82% of its face lit rises around 5:09 PM Eastern. By evening it is already up, brightening the sky around it.

Bonus: The Southern Taurids are active, but their October 10 peak is still weeks away, so do not expect a strong meteor show tonight.

Moon note: Waxing gibbous, about 82% illuminated, with moonrise around 5:09 PM Eastern.

Step outside soon after dinner, face west first, then turn east for Saturn. For more warm, easy skywatching ideas, join the NOOMMED newsletter.