6 Ways To Photograph The Venus-Jupiter ‘Kiss’ With A Phone Right Now

InnovationScience6 Ways To Photograph The Venus-Jupiter ‘Kiss’ With A Phone Right NowByJamie Carter,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. An award-winning reporter writing about stargazing and the night sky.Follow AuthorJun 08, 2026, 04:29am EDTA woman takes a picture with the phone to the 'Blue Supermoon' over the Tower of Roca Vecchia in Roca Vecchia, Lecce, Italy, on August 30, 2023. This is the second supermoon to be observed in August and is also known as a Blue Moon. (Photo by Manuel Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images)NurPhoto via Getty ImagesThe close conjunction of Venus and Jupiter on Tuesday, June 9, is shaping up to be one of the most photogenic celestial events of 2026. As the two brightest planets in the night sky draw to within just 1.6 degrees (the width of an outstretched finger) of each other after sunset, they will create a beautiful pairing low in the western sky that will be easy to see with the naked eye. Mercury, below, will add to the scene, creating a rare three-planet lineup. In practice, the conjunction will look almost as impressive on the nights either side — Monday, June 8, and Wednesday, June 10.How To Photograph The Conjunction Of Venus And JupiterThe good news is that you don’t need a telescope or expensive camera equipment to capture it. Modern smartphones are surprisingly capable astrophotography tools, particularly when capturing bright targets such as Venus and Jupiter in fading twilight. With a few simple techniques — and by getting outside about 45 minutes after sunset — you can record this once-a-year planetary encounter and create an image that captures exactly how it appeared in the sky. Here’s how to do it:ForbesVenus And Jupiter To Almost Touch After Sunset In Close ConjunctionBy Jamie Carter1. Shoot In RAW If PossibleIf your phone offers RAW or ProRAW capture, enable it. RAW files preserve more image data and allow greater flexibility when adjusting brightness, con...