Venus rises to meet Jupiter in a spectacular conjunction of the solar system’s two brightest planets — as seen from Earth — on June 8 and 9 in our western sky.
Both planets reflect sunlight from their cloudy atmospheres, and Venus is relatively close to Earth, while Jupiter is very large. This is what makes them so bright.
Start looking at the two planets on June 1 and continue to watch as Venus, the brighter of the two, appears to draw closer to Jupiter each night.
On June 9 one can see both planets together in the low power field of view of a telescope or with binoculars. There will be plenty of time to see them because they won’t set until about 11 p.m.
Venus and Jupiter will lie among the stars of the zodiac constellation Gemini, the twins.
On June 8 and 9 Gemini’s two brightest stars, Pollux and Castor, will be seen to the right off the two planets.
In the nights after the conjunction, Venus’ orbit will take it east [left] of Jupiter as they appear to separate.
Jupiter’s orbit will continue to take it down toward the western horizon.
On June 17 look for the crescent moon very close to Venus.
Several other planets are visible in June this year, low above the eastern horizon before dawn.
A great way to spot Mars on June 12 is to find the waning crescent moon and look down from it to the horizon. Mars will be there, one hour before sunrise. Saturn rose before Mars and is higher, up some 25 degrees from the horizon and to the right of the moon.
Mercury joins the western sky this month and is visible 30 minutes after sunset close to the western horizon.
Use Venus and Jupiter to help find Mercury on June 8/9. Extend a line through the two bright planets down toward the horizon, and Mercury will be about 10 degrees above the horizon shining like a bright star.
The planets dominate sky-watchers’ attention, so enjoy the opportunity to see all the “naked eye” planets throughout the month.
June’s full moon is on the 29th.