Don’t Miss Tonight’s Dazzling Planetary Conjunction—Jupiter and Mercury Meet in a Rare Twilight Spectacle!
Look west after sunset to catch Mercury and Jupiter just degrees apart. Here’s how and when to see this stunning celestial event in 2025.
- Event Date: Early June, just after sunset
- Separation: Mercury passes just 2° north of Jupiter
- Visibility: Only 30–40 minutes after sunset, low in the west
- Magnitudes: Jupiter at –1.9; Mercury at –1.3
Get ready for an unforgettable night, skywatchers! Jupiter and Mercury are performing a cosmic duet, slipping into conjunction and lighting up the western sky just after sunset. This rare planetary pairing won’t come again until 2027, making tonight’s meeting a must-see for stargazers everywhere.
As dusk arrives, grab your binoculars and head to a spot with a clear western view. By 8:30 P.M. local time, Mercury shines to Jupiter’s upper right, sitting only a couple of degrees apart—an eye-catching pair against the fading glow. The duo hovers barely above the horizon, so timing is everything. Their combined brilliance will last less than an hour before dipping out of sight.
How Do Jupiter and Mercury Compare Tonight?
Both planets blaze brightly, but there’s more than meets the eye. Mercury, smaller but much closer to Earth at about 116 million miles, gleams at magnitude –1.3 and reveals an 89% sunlit disk. Jupiter, the solar system’s mighty gas giant, outshines Mercury at magnitude –1.9, with a fully illuminated face spanning an impressive 32 arcseconds—even though it’s nearly 570 million miles from us.
Peer through a wide-field telescope or binoculars and you’ll see the planets snugly in the same view. If conditions are especially clear and steady, you might even catch Jupiter’s infamous Great Red Spot or its four largest moons—though twilight brightness makes them a challenge.
Q: When and Where Can I See the Jupiter–Mercury Conjunction?
The spectacle peaks about 30 minutes after sunset. For those at latitude 40° N, sunset is roughly 8:27 P.M.; check your local times to adjust. Find a spot with an unobstructed western horizon, such as a hilltop or lakeshore, to maximize your view.
Q: Do I Need Special Equipment to See This Event?
This conjunction is visible to the naked eye, but binoculars will enhance the colors and separation. A small telescope reveals planet disks—Mercury appearing tiny and mostly lit, Jupiter looming large and bright. Never use optical aids until the Sun has completely set to protect your eyes.
How To Catch Both Planets at Their Best
- Arrive at your viewing site before sunset and let your eyes adjust.
- Have binoculars handy but wait until after sunset for use.
- Locate the point of sunset and scan the low western sky about 30 minutes later.
- Both planets should fit within the same field of binoculars.
What Else Is Happening in the Night Sky?
Tonight’s sky offers more than just planets. The Moon, nearly full and sitting 94% illuminated, rises in the east at 6:26 P.M. and sets early at 3:25 A.M. For a deeper dive into upcoming sky events, bookmark sites like NASA and Sky & Telescope.
Why Does This Conjunction Matter?
Planetary pairings like these inspire awe and highlight the constant motion of our solar system. Rare alignments give astronomers and enthusiasts a chance to explore the relative sizes, distances, and brightness of our planetary neighbors.
Checklist for Tonight’s Skywatching Adventure
- Check local sunset times
- Scout a western horizon with no obstructions
- Bring binoculars (once the Sun sets)
- Arrive early and dress for cool twilight temps
- Take photos or simply enjoy the show!
Don’t let this rare planetary rendezvous slip away! Gather your skywatching crew, prepare your gear, and get ready for an astronomical show you won’t forget—Jupiter and Mercury won’t dance this close again for years to come.