Which planet is the brightest? (As viewed from Earth.)?

Question

A. Venus
B. Saturn
C. Jupiter
D. Neptune
E. Mercury
F. Uranus
G. Pluto
H. Mars

How does its brightness compare with that of the brightest star, not including the Sun?
A. This planet's brightness is about as bright as the brightest star.
B. This planet's brightness is brighter than the brightest star.
C. This planet's brightness is less bright than the brightest star.

Which planet is the second brightest?
A. Uranus
B. Saturn
C. Mercury
D. Venus
E. Neptune
F. Mars
G. Jupiter
H. Pluto

Answer 1

A. Venus

and

B. Brighter

and

G. Jupiter

Answer 2

Venus at mag -4.2 is about 10 times brighter than the brightest star, Sirius (which makes you wonder how people can suddenly see it for the first time).

The second brightest planet for most of the time is Jupiter. However, Mars at its greatest conjunction can outshine Jupiter for a very short while. Both can be several times brighter than Sirius.

Note that if you know exactly where to look, Venus is visible in broad daylight.

Answer 3

That depends. At times Venus can be very bright. So can Mars. Mercury can appear to be a bright star but the two brightest are Mars and Venus. Venus is called the "Morning Star" and is also called the "Evening Star" Mars and Venus both challenge each other for who is the brightest. I hope that helps you out!

Answer 4

First - Venus
Second - Jupiter