On 12 May 2021, the new Moon was next to Venus in the western sky right after sunset. The next night, it was next to Mercury, but not as close as to Venus. The time was about 9:05pm.
New Moon Joined Mercury
Venus
New Moon Joined Venus
In the evening of 12 May 2021 at 8:41pm, the waxing Moon was near Venus low in the western sky. Clear conditions allowed a fine binocular view. Without them, I would not have seen the Moon’s very thin crescent.
If the sky is clear the evening of 13 May, look again for the Moon in the west. It will be to the left of Mercury this time. Not quite as close as it was to Venus. Binoculars will help. The Moon will be illuminated 4.34% and easier to find.
August Skywatching | NASA
Mark your calendar for these events in August. Brought to you by the folks at NASA and JPL. All events are free. No registration required.
Wear a mask and distance yourself if you are with a group.
Venus Moon Size Comparison
On the morning of 17 June 2020, the Moon presented this nice crescent. The camera was at full zoom.
Eight days later, Venus presented in the same place at the same time with the same crescent shape. The camera was again at full zoom. The images are to scale.
Crescent of Venus
Evening views of Venus have been beautiful. The planet is passing us in orbit and by the end of May will be hidden in the glare of the Sun. It will emerge again in June but as a morning object.
Last evening was clear and cold, providing a perfect view of Venus. With the camera mounted on a tripod and fully zoomed, the crescent was obvious. A small telescope or steadied binoculars will work, too. Give it a try. Your evening opportunities are waning.
Canon PowerShot SX60 HS | 1/500s | ISO=400 | 9:21pm
How I See It 