What’s Up: June 2026 Skywatching Tips

Early in June, look west shortly after sunset to see Venus and Jupiter, two of the brightest planets. Around June 9, they will appear very close together in a planetary conjunction. From June 11 through June 15, Mercury joins them low in the western sky, creating a mini parade of planets.

The planets orbit the sun along nearly the same path in our sky, called the ecliptic, so they sometimes gather in the same part of the sky. Venus will be the brightest and easiest to spot with Jupiter nearby; Mercury will sit lower toward the horizon and will require a clear western view to catch it in the glow of twilight.

On June 17, from some locations the Moon will pass in front of Venus in a lunar occultation. For viewers in the right viewing path, Venus will look like it disappears behind the Moon and then reappears; the event will be visible from parts of the United States, Canada, Brazil and Venezuela.

United States, Canada, Brazil, Venezuela

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