Jupiter and Venus Conjunction on June 9: Don't miss the most important celestial event of the year – here's how to watch the event

Skywatchers are in for a beautiful celestial display as Jupiter and Venus come together in the evening sky on June 9. The two brightest planets visible after sunset will appear unusually close, creating a stunning conjunction that can be seen from many locations. Mercury will also join the scene near the western horizon, adding another challenge for those hoping to spot the full planetary lineup, as per a report by SPACE.

The event offers a chance to see some of the solar system’s brightest objects in one view.

Where can you see Jupiter and Venus?

The Jupiter and Venus conjunction will be visible shortly after sunset, with the planets appearing low in the western sky. Observers in the U.S. will see Venus shining less than 20 degrees above the horizon. Jupiter will appear lower and to the left of Venus, making the pair easier to identify because of their brightness, as per a report by SPACE.

The distance between the two planets will be less than 2 degrees in the night sky. This means they will fit together in the view of a pair of 10x50 binoculars.

For those using binoculars, Jupiter’s four largest moons may also be visible. The Galilean moons — Io, Europa, Callisto, and Ganymede — could appear as tiny points of light surrounding the giant planet.

What else will appear in the sky?

While Venus and Jupiter will be the main attraction, Mercury will also be present near the western horizon. Mercury will appear around 10 degrees below and to the lower right of Jupiter and Venus. However, spotting it may be more difficult because it will be closer to the glow of the setting Sun.

A clear view toward the west will be needed to catch Mercury before it disappears into the twilight.

The following nights will bring changes to the planetary display. Venus will continue moving higher above Jupiter as it travels toward the nearby constellation Cancer.

On June 20, Venus will shine close to the open star cluster Messier 44, also known as Praesepe or the Beehive Cluster.

What happens after June 9?

The Jupiter and Venus meeting will be a short-lived opportunity for skywatchers. After the conjunction, Jupiter will gradually become harder to observe as it moves lower toward the horizon each evening. By early July, the gas giant will be difficult to see because of the brightness from the setting Sun, as per a report by SPACE.

Jupiter will eventually disappear from the evening sky and return later in the year, reappearing in the eastern morning sky around mid-August.

For anyone hoping to experience this planetary event, June 9 offers a special moment to look upward and see two of the brightest planets sharing the same part of the sky.

FAQs

When is the conjunction?
June 9 evening.

Can you see Jupiter’s moons?
Yes, with binoculars.