Venus is sometimes referred to as the evening star. Ancient civilizations, such as the Greeks and Egyptians, who observed it in the sky gave it its name. Because of its splendor, the planet was finally named after the Roman goddess of love. The Evening Star is the brightest object beyond the Moon during the evening twilight. It can be seen with the naked eye on a clear night from most parts of the world. In fact, it can be seen even from daytime London! The only problem is that you have to be looking in the right direction; if not, then it's gone forever. Its orbit brings it close to the Earth every 48 days or so. When it rises about an hour and a half before sunset, it can be seen from all over the world including Europe, North America, and Australia. But by 9 p.m., when it sets, it's already moved out of sight behind the Sun. Next morning, it has risen again and can be seen once more before setting for the last time about an hour and a half before sunrise. The reason why it's called the Evening Star is because it usually rises around dusk and sets shortly before dawn. Thus, it gives off its glow in the evening sky. The word "venus" comes from the Latin word venea, which means "wool".