Stunning Jupiter-Mercury Conjunction to Ignite Early June Skies—Here’s How to See It
Mercury and Jupiter meet for a rare twilight show in early June 2025. Here’s when and how to see this planetary duo at sunset.
- Date: Early June 2025, best just after sunset
- Separation: Less than 2° apart in the sky
- Visibility Window: Only 30 minutes after sunset
- Brightness: Jupiter at -1.9 mag, Mercury at -1.3 mag
As the sun dips below the horizon in early June 2025, skywatchers are in for a celestial treat: Mercury and Jupiter will appear almost shoulder to shoulder in the evening twilight, putting on one of the year’s best naked-eye planet shows. If you look west about half an hour after sunset, you’ll spot both planets—briefly—hanging low and bright, separated by less than two degrees.
Mercury, smaller but closer to Earth, glows with a steady brilliance just to Jupiter’s upper right. Jupiter, the gas giant king, will shine even brighter—both visible together through binoculars or the wide view of a small telescope. For best results, find a spot with an unobstructed view of the western horizon, as the planetary pair sinks quickly into the dusk.
Q&A: What Makes This Conjunction Special in 2025?
Q: Why is this conjunction worth catching?
A: These two brightest evening planets rarely appear so close together in our sky. In 2025, their close approach after sunset creates a stunning double-planet sight—visible to the naked eye and perfect for stargazers, families, and astrophotographers.
Q: How bright will they be?
A: Jupiter dazzles at magnitude –1.9, outshining Mercury’s –1.3, but Mercury’s proximity gives it an extra sparkle. Together, they’ll dominate the western twilight just after sunset.
Q: Can I use binoculars or a telescope?
A: Absolutely! Both worlds fit easily in binoculars and wide telescope fields. Just be sure the sun is fully set before aiming optics skyward—protect your eyes from stray sunlight.
How to Spot Mercury and Jupiter—Step-by-Step Guide
- Check your local sunset time (around 8:27 P.M. at 40° N 90° W).
- About 20–30 minutes after sunset, scan the west with your eyes.
- Seek a clear western horizon to maximize viewing time as they sink fast.
- Look for two bright “stars”—Jupiter below, Mercury just above and right.
- Use binoculars to get a stunning dual-planet view (and possibly a hint of Jupiter’s Galilean moons).
Mercury, though physically tiny, will appear as a sharp, bright disk—nearly 89% illuminated, just 5 arcseconds wide. Jupiter flaunts its full glory at 32 arcseconds across, its immense size clear even from hundreds of millions of miles away. While Jupiter’s four Galilean moons may be tough to see in the bright twilight, persistent observers with telescopes could glimpse one or two—another bonus for stargazers!
For further tips and astronomy news, explore resources like NASA, Space.com, or Sky & Telescope.
Your Essential Night-Sky Checklist
- Binoculars or telescope ready (after sunset only)
- Find a clear western horizon—avoid trees and buildings
- Arrive 15 minutes before sunset to get oriented
- Watch from sunset to 30 minutes after—planets set fast!
- Check moonrise and moon phase (94% waxing gibbous)—add the moon to your stargazing session
Don’t Miss This Planetary Showdown!
Mark your calendar for early June 2025. Gather your binoculars, tell your friends and family, and share the wonder of two worlds meeting at dusk. For more sky events, check major astronomy sites and stay tuned for the next big celestial surprise!