Venus and Jupiter will appear to almost touch in the night sky on June 9, 2026, in the closest conjunction of the two brightest planets until 2039. Stargazers across Earth will witness the pair separated by just 1.6 degrees after sunset, an event that requires no equipment to enjoy. This celestial spectacle marks one of the year's most striking naked-eye events, offering a rare opportunity to see two solar system giants nearly overlapping in the twilight sky.
The event occurs when Venus and Jupiter line up from our perspective, a phenomenon called a conjunction. While such alignments happen roughly annually, this particular conjunction is unusually tight: 1.6 degrees is less than the width of three full moons. The last time they came closer was in 2023, and the next comparable event won't occur until 2039.
Venus, the brighter of the two, will shine at magnitude -4.2, while Jupiter glows at magnitude -2.1. Both will be visible in the constellation Leo, low in the western sky about 45 minutes after local sunset. Binoculars will reveal both planets within the same field of view, and even a small telescope may show Jupiter's Galilean moons alongside Venus's crescent phase.
The conjunction has practical importance for astronomers and outreach programs, as it generates widespread public interest in the night sky. Many observatories and planetariums plan special viewing events. The precise timing depends on location: in New York or London, sunset occurs near 20:00 local time, making 20:45 the best window. For Southern Hemisphere viewers, the pair will appear higher and more accessible.
Weather will be the main variable; clear skies are essential. After the conjunction, Venus continues climbing higher each evening while Jupiter sinks toward the horizon, racing toward its solar conjunction in July 2026. This close pairing also offers astrophotographers a chance to capture both planets in one frame with a medium zoom lens.
Looking ahead, Venus and Jupiter will meet again in July 2027, but not as close. The next truly tight conjunction (under 1 degree) will be on October 29, 2030, involving Jupiter and Saturn. For now, the June 9, 2026 event stands as a must-see for anyone with an evening view to the west. Mark your calendars and hope for clear skies.
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Venus And Jupiter To Almost Touch After Sunset In Close Conjunction
In one of the year’s most striking naked-eye celestial events, Venus and Jupiter will appear to come within just 1.6 degrees of each other after sunset on June 9.
Jamie Carter, Senior Contributor
Forbes
2 min read
7/10
Key Takeaways
- Venus and Jupiter will appear 1.6 degrees apart on June 9, 2026 – the closest conjunction until 2039.
- The event occurs in the constellation Leo and is visible to the naked eye low in the western sky after sunset.
- Venus shines at magnitude -4.2, Jupiter at -2.1, making them the two brightest objects after the Moon.
- Binoculars reveal both planets in a single field; a small telescope can show Jupiter's moons and Venus's crescent.
- The best viewing time is about 45 minutes after local sunset – exact times vary by longitude.
Frequently Asked Questions
On June 9, 2026, Venus and Jupiter will appear exceptionally close in the sky, separated by only 1.6 degrees. This is one of the best naked-eye events of the year.
Look west about 45 minutes after sunset on June 9. Both planets will be low in the sky, bright enough to be seen without binoculars. Use binoculars for a closer view.
It's the closest Venus-Jupiter conjunction until 2039, making it a rare opportunity to see the two brightest planets almost touching.
The best viewing time is shortly after sunset on June 9. Check local sunset time and look west.
They will be in the constellation Leo, low in the western sky after sunset.
Conjunctions between Venus and Jupiter occur about once a year, but this particular event is unusually close.
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www.forbes.com
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