See Two Planets Collide in the Twilight: Mercury and Jupiter’s Stunning 2025 Conjunction Explained
Mercury and Jupiter meet for a jaw-dropping conjunction after sunset—discover how, when, and where to see this rare cosmic event.
- Date: Early June 2025, shortly after sunset
- Separation: Only 2° apart tonight
- Brightness: Mercury: –1.3 mag; Jupiter: –1.9 mag
- Best Viewing Time: 30 minutes after local sunset
Get ready for a celestial show that skywatchers won’t want to miss! Mercury and Jupiter—two of the brightest planets in our solar system—will align in a breathtaking conjunction, appearing ultra-close together in the western sky this June. This rare event won’t happen again for several years, making it a must-see highlight for both astronomy enthusiasts and casual stargazers.
Tonight, just after sunset, look to the low western horizon to find tiny Mercury perched a mere two degrees above enormous Jupiter. Both shine intensely, outshining most evening stars as they slip toward the horizon in tandem.
Catch this astronomical duo quickly! Their impressive pairing will be visible for just about 30 to 45 minutes after the Sun sets before both planets dip beneath the horizon. For the best view, head to an open area with a clear view toward the west and pack a pair of binoculars.
Q: Why Is the Mercury-Jupiter Conjunction So Special?
Planetary conjunctions always captivate observers, but these two worlds rarely appear this close in the twilight. Mercury, often elusive due to its proximity to the Sun, now shines bright at magnitude –1.3, just to Jupiter’s upper right. Jupiter, at an even more dazzling –1.9, is only slightly brighter.
Both planets fit snugly in the view of typical binoculars. Through a telescope, Mercury’s tiny, almost fully lit disk contrasts beautifully with Jupiter’s boldly illuminated face, which dwarfs Mercury at six times its apparent width.
Astronomy Magazine |
NASA |
Space.com
How to Get the Best View: Step-by-Step
- Check your local sunset time—around 8:27 p.m. at 40°N, 90°W.
- Arrive at your viewing location with a clear western horizon before sunset.
- Bring binoculars or a small telescope, but wait until the Sun is completely gone to protect your eyes.
- Look to the west about 30 minutes after sunset—the two bright points close together at low altitude are Mercury and Jupiter.
- Savor the view—capture a photo or simply marvel as the cosmic duo sets together.
Q: Can You See Jupiter’s Moons or the Great Red Spot?
Jupiter’s famous Galilean moons flank the planet, but spotting them in the glowing twilight is a challenge unless you have very steady optics and exceptionally clear conditions. The Great Red Spot crosses Jupiter’s face in the morning hours, but won’t be prominent during the conjunction window.
Upcoming Celestial Events to Watch For in 2025
This rare planetary pairing launches a dazzling skywatching season. The waxing gibbous Moon will soon reach full phase, and a host of meteor showers, conjunctions, and lunar eclipses are lined up for 2025. Keep your eyes on NASA for more skywatching dates.
Don’t let this cosmic close encounter pass you by! Grab your binoculars, head west at dusk, and witness a celestial pairing you’ll remember for years.
Mercury-Jupiter Conjunction Checklist
- ⏰ Mark your calendar: Early June, 30 mins after sunset
- 🔭 Binoculars or telescope ready (wait until sunset ends)
- 🌅 Unobstructed western horizon
- 📷 Camera for stunning twilight shots (optional)
- 👀 Eye safety: Never use optics before the Sun is fully set
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