Question

Explain the waxing and waning phases in Venus

Answer 1

1. As the Venus went around the epicycle, as shown in the diagram Venus would exhibit phases.
2. Also at times the planet would be nearer, making the apparent size grow bigger and at times far making the apparent size smaller.
3. If the Venus was going around the Sun, and its orbit is inside that of Earth, Venus would appear always near the Sun in the sky.
4. It can never be seen in the midnight sky. Two when it is near the Earth, it would be brighter and bigger compared to when it is on the other side of the Sun.
5. Thirdly only if the Venus is revolving around the Sun, it can exhibit gibbous phase, and the size of the gibbous phase smaller than the crescent phase.
6. If the Venus was revolving around the Earth, we can never see the gibbous phase of the Venus and it would be seen only if it is orbiting the Sun.