
Stunning Celestial Show: Jupiter and Mercury Align This Week!
2025-06-06
Author: Arjun
Don't Miss the Cosmic Duo!
This week, make sure to look up as Jupiter and Mercury put on an extraordinary display in the evening sky around June 7! These two stunning planets will gather closely, creating a breathtaking sight just above the northwestern horizon.
Perfect Viewing Conditions!
For those stargazing in the U.S., you’ll need to find a clear western view to catch this celestial performance. As the sun sets on June 6, the planets will hang less than 10 degrees apart—about the distance of your fist at arm's length—with Jupiter shining brightly above Mercury. However, don't delay; they'll only be visible for about 45 minutes before following the sun below the horizon.
A Dazzling Dance in the Night Sky
As the days progress, watch Mercury cleverly glide up to match Jupiter, only to eventually rise above the gas giant, thanks to its fast orbit around the sun. On June 7, they will be just over two degrees apart—close enough to fit easily in the viewfinder of a pair of 10x50 binoculars. Just remember to wait until the sun is completely down before you bring out your binoculars or telescope!
Astounding Differences in Size and Orbit!
Despite appearing quite similar in the night sky, these two planets couldn't be more different. Jupiter is the massive gas giant of our solar system—so large that it could fit Mercury inside it thousands of times! With its massive orbit spanning 484 million miles (778 million kilometers), Jupiter takes a leisurely 12 Earth years to complete one trip around the Sun. Yet, surprisingly, it has the solar system's shortest day, spinning on its axis in just 9.9 hours!
Meanwhile, Down Below...
Mercury, on the other hand, orbits much closer to the Sun at an average distance of 29 million miles (47 million kilometers) and completes a revolution every 88 Earth days. But here's the twist: due to its unique rotation, a single day on Mercury lasts a staggering 176 Earth days!
Get the Best Stargazing Gear!
For all the night sky enthusiasts eager to explore our solar neighbors, check out our comprehensive guides on the best binoculars and telescopes available! Plus, for those just starting their celestial journeys, don’t forget to explore our top smartphone stargazing apps of 2025 to help guide you!