Expert: Patrick Weiler - 12/20/2011

Question
QUESTION: A while ago, my dad noticed a really bright star to the west. Staying still, no atmospheric trail so it's not a plane, it had to be a star or planet or something.
The sun was still setting and the star was I going to guess about 30 to 40 degrees above the horizon. Later I go out not an hour afterwards and its dark...but the star is gone. What is your take on it?

ANSWER: Hello Caleb...
I'd be happy to try and help with your question, but I'd first need to know your location , at least the country and nearest large city. You said the direction (west#, the approximate time #sunset# and position of the object #30-40 degrees). If you're in the United States, I'd guess that you saw the planet Venus.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The nearest LARGE city would have to be Sioux Falls...the United States.
Forgot to mention, but this isn't the only bright star I see. This one disappeared, but there is usually another one just as bright. It is usually seen above the eastern horizon and makes its way above us.

Hope this helps.

Thanks.

ANSWER: The object to the west is the planet Venus. The one to the east is the planet Saturn.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sorry, but one final question...why wouldn't it be Jupiter or Mars? Is it due to the different orbits?

Thanks a bunch!

Answer
You're right...not Jupiter or Mars simply because of how the planets orbit the sun. The main thing that affects what planets are visible or not is the difference in orbital speed of each; the more distant a planet is from the sun the slower it orbits the sun.