If you head out this weekend, 5–7 June 2026, and look to the western sky just after sunset, you'll be able to see Venus and Jupiter in the evening sky.
The planets have been getting closer and closer over the past few weeks, and will be at their closest on Tuesday 9 June.
If you've not seen them in the sky yet – or perhaps been wondering what those two stars are in the west at dusk – the planet pair will be visible and approaching their best each evening this weekend.
Here's a quick, beginner's guide to observing Venus and Jupiter – and Mercury – this weekend.
Where should I look?
Look to the west/northwest just after sunset.
It will be beneficial to have as clear a western/northwestern horizon as possible, as the planets will be fairly low in the sky
What time should I look?
From wherever you're observing, you'll need to look about 45 minutes after sunset to see Venus and Jupiter at their best.
What will I see?
You'll see Venus and Jupiter looking like a pair of bright stars sitting close beside one another in the evening sky.
Of course, they're not stars; they're planets. But they will look like small yet bright points of light.
Venus is the 'star' on the right and Jupiter is the one on the left.
How long will it last?
As soon as the Sun sets, the planets are visible, but will then start setting themselves.
How long they're visible for depends on how clear and flat your northwestern horizon is. They could be visible for up to two hours after sunset, at a prime location.
What about Mercury?
Mercury is a bit trickier to see. It's less bright and lower down, meaning it will fight against the glare of the setting Sun.
You will also need a good, flat northwestern horizon to see Mercury.
Once the Sun has set below the horizon, look to the northwest, on the horizon, and you should be able to see Mercury looking like a slightly dimmer star.
Be sure only to look once the Sun has set, as viewing the Sun with your naked eye could damage your eyesight.
What are those two stars above the planets?
If you can see two dimmer stars just above Venus and Jupiter, you're looking at Castor and Pollux, the twin stars of Gemini.
What if it's cloudy tonight?
If it's cloudy tonight, fear not! This isn't a fleeting, transient event like a solar eclipse.
Venus and Jupiter will be visible for a week or two after the event. It's just that this period, from 5–9 June, is the best time to see them close together.
For more info, read our guide to observing Venus and Jupiter throughout June 2026.
Is the Moon joining in?
Not this weekend. However, by 16 and 17 June, a very thin crescent Moon will join the party.
On 17 June, the crescent Moon will be right below Venus, making for a beautiful observing and photography opportunity.
Do I need any special equipment?
No. The good thing about this celestial spectacle is it's best appreciated with the naked eye.
Binoculars or a telescope would narrow your view and, arguably, detract from the beauty of seeing two – possibly three – Solar System worlds in the evening sky at once.
As well as this, it's not advisable to look through binoculars or a telescope so close to sunset, as accidentally capturing a view of the Sun through unfiltered optical equipment could seriously damage your eyesight.
Can I take a photo?
Yes, this is a perfect opportunity to capture a photo, and we're sure many people across the world will be doing the same.
A smartphone or a DSLR camera would work well. For a full expert guide, read our top tips on how to photograph the Venus–Jupiter conjunction.
Share your observations and photos with us by emailing contactus@skyatnightmagazine.com
