Evening star

The inter-monsoon period is upon us here in the tropics and the incessant rain and thick clouds in the evenings have put paid to any more attempts to view Jupiter in the night sky. But five days ago there was a short break in the rainy weather. Stepping out of the house at about 7.30pm, I couldn't help seeing a bright spot of light lurking in the west, and sinking fast behind my neighbour's house on the opposite side of the road. Although the sky wasn't completely dark, yet this pin prick of a light was bright enough for anyone to notice. Since it couldn't be Jupiter, it must be Venus putting in its appearance as the Evening Star. Pretty soon, we'll not be able to see it any more.