Tonight's Celestial Showdown!

Get ready, stargazers! On this beautiful Sunday, June 8, Mercury is set to dazzle as it makes a close approach to Jupiter, passing just 2° north of the gas giant at 4 P.M. EDT. This spectacular conjunction can be witnessed during the evening twilight, as these two planets gracefully sink into the western horizon after sunset.

Don't Miss the Best View!

Act fast! Just half an hour post-sunset, both Mercury and Jupiter will be a mere few degrees above the horizon. For the best viewing experience, seek out a location with an unobstructed western view, allowing you the longest and clearest sight before the giant gas planet disappears.

Planetary Details You Don't Want to Miss!

Mercury, shining brightly at magnitude -1.3, will be positioned just above and to the right of Jupiter, which glows at magnitude -1.9. Both celestial bodies are bright enough to be easily viewed through binoculars, and they may even fit nicely within the eyepiece of a wide-field telescope.

How to Observe Them Safely!

Remember, it's crucial to wait until the Sun has completely set before pulling out your optics. Depending on your location, this sunset time may vary.

Spot the Differences!

Take a close look at the two planets! Mercury, although much smaller and physically closer to Earth, boasts a cute disk that measures 5” wide and is 89% illuminated. In contrast, the massive Jupiter shines brightly at 32” wide, fully lit and captivating despite its greater distance from us.

A Quick Distance Reminder!

At this moment, Mercury is approximately 116 billion miles (187 billion km) away, while Jupiter sits at a staggering distance of nearly 570 billion miles (917 billion km). That's a jaw-dropping difference!

Catch the Moons and the Great Red Spot!

While you're gazing at Jupiter, be aware that its four Galilean moons are its constant companions, though they'll be tough to see amidst the brightening twilight. If you're lucky, the planet’s famous Great Red Spot may also be visible, given the right atmospheric conditions.

Tonight's Celestial Timings!

Key astronomical times to mark: - Sunrise: 5:31 A.M. - Sunset: 8:27 P.M. - Moonrise: 6:26 P.M. - Moonset: 3:25 A.M. With a waxing gibbous Moon illuminating at 94%, tonight promises to be a star-studded spectacle!