Tonight's Spectacular Celestial Event!

Get ready to witness a breathtaking astronomical spectacle this evening! June 8th is the day when Mercury will glide just 2° north of the majestic Jupiter at 4 P.M. EDT. As dusk falls, these two planets will sink into the western twilight, providing a stunning view right after sunset.

Where and When to Look?

But hurry! You’ll have only a brief window to catch this sight, as they will hover just above the horizon for a short 30 minutes after sunset. For the best perspective, find a location with a clear view to the west.

What You'll See!

Shimmering at a striking magnitude of -1.3, Mercury will appear just above Jupiter, which shines at -1.9. These two celestial bodies will fit beautifully within binoculars and can even be seen together in a wide-field telescope or finder scope.

Fascinating Facts About Mercury and Jupiter!

Despite being much smaller, Mercury is closer to Earth, showing a disk that’s about 5” wide and 89% illuminated. In contrast, the colossal Jupiter boasts an impressive 32” in diameter and is fully lit up, highlighting its immense size despite the vast distance between them: Mercury is about 116 billion miles (187 billion km) away, while Jupiter is a staggering 570 billion miles (917 billion km) from us!

Don’t Forget the Moons!

While Jupiter's four Galilean moons are typically an enchanting sight, spotting them tonight might be a challenge due to the brightening sky. Additionally, for those lucky enough to have steady skies, the Great Red Spot on Jupiter might be visible!

Mark Your Calendars!

Here’s when you can catch other celestial events tonight:

- Sunrise: 5:31 A.M.

- Sunset: 8:27 P.M.

- Moonrise: 6:26 P.M.

- Moonset: 3:25 A.M.

- Current Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous (94%)

Prepare your binoculars and enjoy this stunning celestial dance tonight!