Observing News

The latest observing stories, summarized by AI

Solstice Sky Parade: Mercury, Jupiter and Venus light up Sunday evening

On Sunday, June 21, 2026 (the summer solstice), the evening sky features a bright lineup of Mercury in Gemini, Jupiter, Venus, Regulus, the Moon, and Spica tracing a line along the ecliptic after sunset; the summer solstice occurs at 4:25 AM EDT, with sunrise about 5:32 AM and sunset around 8:32 PM. The Moon is waxing gibbous (about 52% illuminated) and First Quarter Moon arrives at 5:55 PM EDT. The article also highlights checking Sky This Week for more sky events.

20 days ago•Source: Astronomy Magazine

Mercury Joins Venus and Jupiter in the After-Sunset Sky

observing

6.76 min•1 month ago

Mercury Joins Venus and Jupiter in the After-Sunset Sky

Mercury becomes readily visible for a short time after sunset, lining up with Venus and Jupiter in the evening sky. Mercury is about magnitude -1.1 and roughly 6° above the western horizon; Jupiter shines high in eastern Gemini at magnitude -1.9, with Venus (magnitude -3.9) between them. To spot Mercury, draw a line from Jupiter through Venus toward the horizon. Sunset is around 8:17 PM and sunrise about 5:37 AM (local time).

via Astronomy Magazine

Featured Observing Stories

Solstice Sky Parade: Mercury, Jupiter and Venus light up Sunday evening

Mercury Joins Venus and Jupiter in the After-Sunset Sky

More Observing Stories