Venus to shine at its brightest on September 18, visible without equipment
According to NASA's skywatching guide for September, Venus is set to hit its maximum brightness on September 18. The planet will be seen as a highly luminous spot hanging low in the west right after the sun goes down, making it brighter than any surrounding stars. You can spot it with just your eyes, but you will have the best view if you have a clear, open look at the western horizon before it disappears from sight.