Look up tonight: Moon and Jupiter align in a dazzling sky show you can’t miss

Skywatchers are in for a treat tonight as the Moon and Jupiter come together to create one of Aprils eye-catching events in the sky. On April 22 a small crescent Moon will appear a few degrees above the planet Jupiter making a beautiful pairing that you can see with your own eyes.

The event is easy to see. You don't need any special equipment. Just a clear view of the western sky shortly after sunset.

What is the Moon and Jupiter conjunction?

A conjunction occurs when two objects in the sky appear close together from Earth. The Moon and Jupiter are really apart. The Moon is 365,000 kilometers away and Jupiter is hundreds of millions of kilometers farther away.


From Earth it looks like they are close together. A stunning sight that many people like to see.

When and where to watch Moon and Jupiter conjunction

To see the Moon and Jupiter go outside shortly after sunset and look towards the west. You will see them for a time before they go below the horizon later in the evening.

The crescent Moon will be above Jupiter, which has been shining bright in the night sky for months. Even though it is getting lower in the sky each week Jupiter is still easy to see because it is so bright.

If you have binoculars you might even see Jupiters four moons. Small points of light that go around the planet.

A bonus: The Gemini constellation

Tonight's conjunction happens in the Gemini constellation making it more special. Gemini is one of the constellations to find with two bright stars:

• Pollux, the brighter and closer star
  
• Castor, positioned just above
  

These "twin" stars are from mythology and help frame the Moon and Jupiter making the view more interesting.

What's next in the night sky?

The Moon and Jupiter conjunction is one of many cool things happening in the sky this week. On April 23 the Lyrid meteor shower will peak, giving you a chance to see "shooting stars" before dawn.

Jupiter will keep moving in the sky over the next few weeks and will be hard to see by May. Another bright object, Venus is already shining low in the sky and will be a bright "Evening Star”, for months.

FAQs

What is a Moon-Jupiter conjunction?

It’s when the Moon and Jupiter appear close together in the sky from Earth, creating a visually striking alignment.

When can I see the Moon-Jupiter conjunction?

Look for it shortly after sunset on April 22 in the western sky.