Can you see a bright star beside the crescent Moon tonight? That's either Venus or Jupiter, depending on which night you're looking up this week.
Venus and Jupiter are the best planets to see in the night sky in May 2026.
They can both be seen in the west after sunset, Venus low down towards the horizon and Jupiter much higher up.
The planets are getting closer and closer together each evening, and will be at their closest together during the Venus–Jupiter conjunction on 9 June 2026.
For more info, read our guide to observing Venus and Jupiter in May 2026.
During the week beginning 18 May 2026, the thin crescent Moon will meet both planets in the night sky, making for a beautiful three-body view visible with the naked eye in the early evening.
If you have clear skies and a clear view, you're in for a treat.
Just after sunset, Venus and Jupiter will be the only bright 'stars' in the sky, and the Moon will be a beautiful thin crescent beside the two planetary points of light.
While the planets don't change their apparent position in the night sky to any noticeable degree from one night to the next, the Moon hops eastward along the sky night after night.
That's why this week it will make a close approach to Venus, then Jupiter, over the coming evenings.
Here are the key dates and what you'll see.
18 May – The thin crescent Moon will be to the right of Venus, just after sunset. A flat, clear western horizon will be needed to see both Moon and planet, as they'll be low-down once the Sun sets.
Make sure only to look to the west once the Sun has fully set, as accidentally looking at the Sun with your naked eye could damage your eyesight.
19 May – Tonight is arguably a much more tantalising prospect than the previous night. Venus is once again low in the west after sunset, but now the crescent Moon is higher-up and further to the 'left'.
Find Venus and draw an imaginary line between Venus and the Moon. Extend that line upwards and you'll arrive at another bright 'star'. That's Jupiter.
The sight of Venus, the crescent Moon and Jupiter tonight will be an absolute joy. If you have clear skies, make sure to seek out this meeting of three celestial bodies – traditionally known as a massing in astronomy – just after sunset.
20 May – The crescent Moon is now slightly fuller and is above and to the left of Jupiter. The crescent Moon forms a line with Castor and Pollux, the twin stars of Gemini, stretching across the sky above Jupiter.
21 May – The crescent Moon is now much higher and further to the left of Jupiter.
And so concludes this week's meeting of the crescent Moon, Venus and Jupiter.
The Moon will continue moving eastwards each night, its phase increasing – or 'waxing' – until it reaches full Moon on 31 May 2026.
That full Moon will be the second full Moon in May 2026, making it a 'monthly blue Moon'.
If you observe or photograph the crescent Moon, Venus and Jupiter this week, get in touch and let us know by emailing contactus@skyatnightmagazine.com
