A Celestial Duo: Venus and Jupiter Converge

June 2026 offers some of the best skywatching of the year. Two brilliant planets—Venus and Jupiter—will appear to nearly touch each other in the evening sky, creating a sight that'll draw heads upward even from light-polluted areas.

When and Where to Look

June 8–9: Peak Conjunction

Venus and Jupiter reach their closest approach around June 8–9, appearing roughly one finger-width apart at their tightest. Both will be visible low in the southwest after sunset, remaining visible until around 11 p.m. local time (clear western horizon required).

Venus is the brighter of the two—nearly impossible to miss—while Jupiter sits slightly below and to the side. Binoculars reveal detail on Jupiter (cloud bands, the Great Red Spot if you're patient and have decent optics), while Venus will show a crescent phase in any telescope.

Extended Viewing: The Mini Planet Parade

June 11–15, Mercury joins the party. The three brightest planets—Mercury (faint but lowest), Venus (brightest), and Jupiter—will stretch along the ecliptic, creating a striking alignment that won't repeat in quite the same way for years.

June 17: Lunar Occultation

The Moon will actually pass in front of Venus for observers in parts of North America, South America, and beyond—Venus will disappear behind the lunar disk then reappear. Most viewers will see a close pairing instead. Use solar safety equipment if viewing during daylight.

Solstice and Deep Sky (June 21+)

The June solstice arrives June 21, marking summer's start in the Northern Hemisphere and the year's longest day. As twilight ends earlier, deep-sky targets improve: the Dumbbell Nebula (M27), Ring Nebula, North America Nebula, and the Veil Nebula all rise well by mid-evening.

Where to Look

Point your eyes west after sunset. No telescope needed for the conjunction—your naked eye is sufficient. Binoculars add detail; a telescope transforms Jupiter into a colorful, banded world. Dark-sky sites away from light pollution will reward you with sharper views and a richer Milky Way backdrop.

Source: NASA Skywatching