Two of the brightest planets are about to put on a rare naked-eye show that will be visible to millions across North America. Venus and Jupiter will appear to nearly touch in the twilight sky this week in a conjunction that won't happen again until 2028.
Stargazers across the continent should look west after sunset on June 10, 2026, to spot Venus and Jupiter side by side. The planets will be separated by just 0.3 degrees — less than the width of a full moon — creating a dazzling double beacon in the evening twilight. The event peaks on Wednesday but the two planets will be close for several nights before and after.
Conjunctions of Venus and Jupiter occur roughly once a year, but close approaches under one degree are rarer. This particular event is special because both planets are at their brightest for the year and set in a dark sky, making them easy to spot without binoculars or a telescope. Venus outshines everything except the sun and moon, while Jupiter is the second-brightest planet.
According to astronomer Jamie Carter, who writes for Forbes, the best viewing window is about 30 to 60 minutes after sunset. Look low in the west-northwest sky; the two planets will appear as brilliant points of light, with Venus strikingly white and Jupiter slightly dimmer and creamier. A clear horizon is essential — trees or buildings can block the view. Binoculars will reveal Jupiter’s four largest moons as tiny dots beside the planet.
This Venus Jupiter conjunction is also a preview of a much rarer event: an occultation, where the moon passes in front of a planet. In September 2026, the moon will occult Venus, and in December 2026 it will occult Jupiter. For now, the naked eye sky show of these two planets embracing is a reminder that the solar system is always moving, always performing.
Planet watchers should mark the calendar for the next few evenings. Cloudy skies on the peak night? The planets will remain within two degrees of each other until June 12. After that, Venus will sink lower each night while Jupiter climbs higher, setting the stage for a series of evening planetary pairings through the rest of the summer.
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See Venus And Jupiter’s Naked Eye Sky Show: The Night Sky This Week
North America’s celestial highlights for the week ahead, which also apply to mid-northern latitudes in the northern hemisphere. This week features a rare conjunction.
Jamie Carter, Senior Contributor
Forbes
2 min read
3/10
Key Takeaways
- Venus and Jupiter will be only 0.3 degrees apart on June 10, 2026 — the closest conjunction of the two planets until 2028.
- The event is visible across North America and other mid-northern latitudes, low in the west-northwest sky 30 to 60 minutes after sunset.
- Venus shines at magnitude -4.5 and Jupiter at magnitude -2.1, making them the two brightest objects in the night sky after the moon.
- Binoculars can reveal Jupiter's four Galilean moons (Io, Europa, Ganymede, Callisto) as faint dots near the planet.
- The next rare planetary occultations occur in late 2026: the moon will occult Venus on September 14 and Jupiter on December 6.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest approach occurs on June 10, 2026, when Venus and Jupiter will be separated by just 0.3 degrees. The planets will appear close for several nights before and after, typically from June 8 to June 12.
Yes, both planets are bright enough to be seen with the naked eye. Venus outshines everything except the sun and moon, while Jupiter is the second-brightest planet. Binoculars will enhance the view and may show Jupiter's moons.
Look low in the west-northwest sky about 30 to 60 minutes after sunset. A clear horizon is important — avoid trees, buildings, or hills that might block the view.
Venus and Jupiter meet in the sky roughly once a year, but close conjunctions (under 1 degree) are less common. This event is the closest until 2028.
The best viewing window is 30 to 60 minutes after local sunset on June 10. The planets will set about two hours after the sun, so evening twilight offers the best contrast.
The conjunction is best seen from mid-northern latitudes. Southern Hemisphere observers may see the planets lower in the sky or not at all. Check a local sky chart for your location.
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www.forbes.com
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