The ringed planet was a mainstay in our southern sky for a long time this year. The planet resides in the zodiacal constellation Scorpius, a constellation we always associate with the warmer season now behind us. Every month the moon would saunter by the planet, like a steadfast friend, outshining most stars in the area.

Saturn is now shining amid the glow of twilight, low in the southwestern sky soon after sunset. This week, the bright planet Venus appears close to Saturn, as if the two are having a conversation. Best viewing is about a half hour after sunset.

Venus is above Saturn. Saturn is the second brightest planet in the evening sky. While they appear close, Saturn is really about ten times farther away than Venus — roughly a billion miles away. Venus is a mere 102 million miles away.

In the nights ahead, Saturn will move west, away from Venus, and set earlier. Before Thanksgiving, it will be hard to see. Until next year.