Venus is attempting to position it's self between the earth and sun. Are we doomed? No. Not even a transit this time since the alignment isn't perfect. But this will produce a spectacular cresent during March and early April, so get out there and observe with eyeball, binocular, telescope and imaging device. And post what you see.
This is a great object to observe with the kids since Venus is visible in late afternoon to early evening.
Details can be found in this fine Sky and Telescope article
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observin ... 02957.html
Venus - Inferior Conjunction 2009
Vanishing Venus
Just a few weeks ago I was picking Venus out of the mid-day sky, naked-eye with little trouble. But now, even at 6pm you have to really look hard to spot Venus. The crescent planet is getting thin and thinner. BobM posted a nice description in his observing report from Little Compton.
Venus is now a very nice tiny crescent “moonâ€
Venus is now a very nice tiny crescent “moonâ€