Which planet is visible in the western sky just after sunset or in the eastern sky just prior to sunrise?

The correct choice is Venus, often referred to as the "Evening Star" or "Morning Star" due to its bright appearance and visibility during specific times of the day. Venus is typically seen in the western sky just after sunset or in the eastern sky just before sunrise, distinguishing it from other planets. This behavior is a result of its orbit being closer to the Sun than Earth’s orbit, leading it to appear near the Sun in the sky.

Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars do not consistently exhibit this same pattern of visibility. While they can be seen at various times throughout the year, they do not have the same reliable timing as Venus when it comes to being seen at sunset or sunrise. Thus, Venus's unique positioning relative to Earth's and its proximity to the Sun is what makes it the standout choice in this context.