Can you see a bright star near 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.
Venus is on the bottom right of the image. Jupiter is on the left, above the chimney top. The two brightest stars above Jupiter, forming an isosceles triangle with the Moon, are Castor and Pollox, the twin stars of Gemini.
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.
Equipment: Canon EOS R DSLR camera, Sigma 35mm lens, Manfrotto tripod.
Exposure: ISO 2000, f/2.2, 2.8s
Software: Photoshop
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, 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.
Venus is just above the left side of the large tree. The crescent Moon is above Venus. Further up, the bright 'star' is Jupiter. To Jupiter's right is Pollox, one of the twin stars of Gemini
20 May – The crescent Moon is now slightly fuller and is to the left of Jupiter. In fact, 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.
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'.
Gallery – Venus, Jupiter and the Moon this week
Equipment: Canon EOS R DSLR camera, Sigma 600mm lens, Manfrotto tripod.
Exposure: ISO 320 f/5.6, 0.8s
Software: Photoshop
Equipment: Sony A7R3 camera, Sony 24-70mm lens, Leofoto tripod.
Exposure: ISO 640, f/7.1, 2sec shutter speed
John captured the image from Capelle ann den IJssel, Netherlands, 18 May 2026.
He says: "After a cloudy day, on the evening of 18th May the sky was suddenly clear just at the right moment."
Equipment: Canon EOS 80D DSLR camera
Venus is just above the left side of the large tree. The crescent Moon is above Venus. Further up, the bright 'star' is Jupiter. To Jupiter's right is Pollox, one of the twin stars of Gemini
Venus is on the bottom right of the image. Jupiter is on the left, above the chimney top. The two brightest stars above Jupiter, forming an isosceles triangle with the Moon, are Castor and Pollox, the twin stars of Gemini.
Equipment: Canon EOS R DSLR camera, Sigma 35mm lens, Manfrotto tripod.
Exposure: ISO 2000, f/2.2, 2.8s
Software: Photoshop
Behyar says: "The sunset was especially orange due to smoke from local fires in Southern California."
Equipment: Canon 5D Mark III Camera, Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
Exposure: ISO 400, f/4, 1.7 sec
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
