If you’re an early riser or love stargazing, this week brings a stunning treat: Venus will glide through the so-called “Golden Gate” of the Ecliptic, creating a beautiful sight in the pre-dawn sky.

The “Golden Gate” is an informal name given to the area between two famous star clusters in the constellation Taurus — the Hyades and the Pleiades. This narrow lane along the ecliptic is where the Sun, Moon, and planets often travel as they journey across our sky. It’s a kind of cosmic highway that also traces through the zodiac constellations.

On the mornings of July 12 and 13, Venus will appear to pass right by the Hyades cluster, coming within about 3 degrees of the bright red star Aldebaran, which marks the eye of Taurus the Bull. Venus itself will shine like a brilliant white beacon, making a striking contrast against Aldebaran’s warm, reddish glow.

If you’re watching from London (or anywhere with a similar latitude), look east-northeast around 3:30am BST. By then, the sky will be starting to lighten, so try to catch the view while it’s still dark enough. In other parts of the world, especially in the southern hemisphere, the sight will be equally impressive.

Astronomers aren’t quite sure who first dubbed this region the “Golden Gate of the Ecliptic,” but the name has gained popularity thanks to science writers and sky guides over recent decades. Regardless of its origins, it’s a perfect label for this celestial doorway that Venus will gracefully step through this week.

So, set your alarm, grab a pair of binoculars if you have them, and enjoy the show. It’s a reminder of how beautifully choreographed our solar system is — right above our heads, if we just take a moment to look up.