Venus And Jupiter To Almost Touch After Sunset In Close Conjunction

BreakingInnovationScienceVenus And Jupiter To Almost Touch After Sunset In Close ConjunctionByJamie Carter,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. An award-winning reporter writing about stargazing and the night sky.Follow AuthorJun 04, 2026, 05:00am EDTToplineSkywatchers are already out shortly after sunset observing one of the celestial highlights of 2026 — the close conjunction of Venus and Jupiter. The two brightest planets in the night sky are appearing to inch toward each other ahead of a close conjunction on Tuesday, June 9. On that date, Venus and Jupiter will appear in the post-sunset sky less than the width of a thumb held at arm’s length, according to Sky & Telescope, so close they will appear to almost touch. On June 9th, the two brightest planets come together in the western sky. Sky & TelescopeKey FactsOn Tuesday, June 9, Jupiter and Venus will be just 1.6 degrees apart in the evening sky. However, the planets will remain within five degrees of each other from June 4-14, so skywatchers are advised to get outside on the next clear night and have a look.The conjunction is visible low in the western sky about 45 minutes after sunset (around 8:30 p.m. in North America), but only for a couple of hours. Mercury will also be visible below and to the right, creating a rare three-planet “parade.” A waxing crescent moon will join the planets on June 16-17.Look for the planetary duo in the western sky about 45 minutes after sunset. Sky & Telescope if (!window.cnxel) { window.cnxel = {}; window.cnxel.cmd = []; var iframe = document.createElement('iframe'); iframe.style.display = 'none'; iframe.onload = function() { var iframeDoc = iframe.contentWindow.document; var script = iframeDoc.createElement('script'); script.src = '//cd.elements.video/player.js?cid=62cec241-7d09-4462-afc2-f72f8d8ef40a'; script.setAttribute('defer', '1'); script.setAttribute('type', 'text/javascript'); iframeDoc.body.appendChild(sc...