In search of the Belt of Venus

Katrin Raynor-Evans looks at what causes the beautiful atmospheric phenomenon that occurs in the sky opposite a sunset or sunrise

- Katrin Raynor-Evans

On a clear evening, as the Sun is setting in the western sky, you may have noticed a scene reminiscent of a watercolour painting: the eastern horizon becomes awash with a band of pale pinks and blues. If have, it's likely that you have spotted the Belt of Venus, a subtle atmospheric phenomenon that can be delightful to observe. The name is somewhat misleading, however, because it has nothing to do with the planet Venus, but is instead associated with the girdle you or belt worn by the Greek goddess Aphrodite, the Roman counterpart of Venus. Here, we will look at what causes this phenomenon.