A SPECIAL LUNAR & PLANETARY ALIGNMENT FEATURING THE WAXING CRESCENT MOON, MERCURY, VENUS AND JUPITER! 🌒🪐| 16TH – 18TH JUNE 2026
Stargazers and night sky enthusiasts are in for a special celestial treat over the next few evenings!
On the evenings of the 16th, 17th, and 18th of June, a beautiful waxing crescent Moon will appear next to and in line with the bright planets Mercury, Venus and Jupiter. The three bright planets and the Moon will form an amazing planetary alignment in the night sky.
These special gatherings will make for a stunning sight in the skies and also an excellent photographic opportunity!
📍WHERE AND WHEN?🗓️
Look to the Western horizon on the evenings of the 16th, 17th, and 18th of June in the post sunset twilight to observe these special meetings.
👀CAN I SEE THIS BY EYE?
The Moon, Venus and Jupiter will be easily visible by eye, although Mercury may be harder to spot and a pair of binoculars or a telescope will help.
🪐WHAT WILL THE ALIGNMENT LOOK LIKE?
Across the evenings of 16th,17th and 18th the planets Mercury, Jupiter and Venus will appear in a straight line formation in the Western post sunset skies.
On the evening of the 16th, the 4% illuminated waxing crescent Moon will appear on the right hand side of the planetary alignment just above Mercury. This will be an excellent time to find the often elusive planet Mercury.
On the evening of the 17th, the 11% illuminated waxing crescent Moon will have moved to appear on the left hand side of the planetary alignment just below the super bright planet Venus.
On the evening of the 18th, the 19% illuminated waxing crescent Moon will have travelled further left extending the length of the planetary alignment.
Venus and Jupiter will look like bright star-like points of light in the sky and will be the first points of light to appear in the Western sky after the sun has set. Mercury will appear similar to Venus and Jupiter but will appear much smaller and not as bright.
The moon will appear as a beautiful thinly illuminated crescent, if you look carefully you may also be able to see some detail on the darker portion of the moon too! This is due to an effect known as "Earthshine".
🌒WHAT IS EARTHSHINE?
"Earthshine" is a phenomenon that allows you to see detail on the darker portion of the Moon when the Moon is in its thin crescent phases.
When the Moon is in its thin crescent phases and still fairly close to the Sun in the sky, a portion of Sunlight shining onto the Earth is reflected off the Earth's surface and faintly illuminates the dark portion of the Moon.
💡ANY VIEWING TIPS?
Having a clear view of the Western horizon will help in viewing this amazing celestial spectacle.
If you have a pair of binoculars or a telescope this will allow you to get a closer view, revealing the effect of Earthshine in more detail, and may also help you in locating the often elusive planet Mercury.
⚠️IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING!
If you do use your binoculars or telescope to observe this special meeting, remember to exercise caution when viewing things nearby to the Sun.
Looking directly at the Sun with an optical aid and without the correct protective equipment can result in instant irreversible eye damage!
We recommend only using binoculars or a telescope once the Sun has completely set below the horizon.
📆WHAT ELSE IS IN THE NIGHT SKY THROUGHOUT JUNE?
If you would like to know more about the rest of the celestial treats that can be seen in the skies throughout this June, please watch our Night Sky Guide video for June 2026. You can find our video on our Facebook, on our website, and on our YouTube channel.
📷SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES AND PHOTOGRAPHS!
We always love hearing about your celestial adventures and seeing your photographs! If you head out to witness or capture photos of these special celestial events or any other sights in the night sky, please feel free to share your stories and photos in the comments below. 😊
⭐WISHING YOU ALL STARRY SKIES!
This remarkable alignment between the Moon, Mercury, Venus and Jupiter will be an incredible sight to witness, and so if you have clear skies and are able to, we recommend heading out to enjoy this celestial spectacle.
As always if you head out to enjoy the night sky any time in the near future, we wish you good luck and clear skies! 💖✨🌌