Venus–Jupiter Conjunction and Lunar Trio: A Late-May 2026 Sky Event

From May 17–23, 2026, Venus, Jupiter and the Moon will appear low in the western sky after sunset. Venus and Jupiter reach their closest visual separation of 1.6° on June 9, 2026; Jupiter attains superior conjunction on July 29, 2026. The display is visible across the United Kingdom, where the Sun’s shallow setting angle prolongs twilight.

Venus and Jupiter are closing in one each other. Here's how to capture spectacular images of their close encounterCosmic Trio Shines at Dusk, by Dennis Mammana

When the Sun sets low in the north-west, it stays only a few degrees below the horizon, leaving the sky bright for an extended twilight. Although this washes out faint stars, Venus and Jupiter remain bright enough to be seen. Jupiter’s westward drift lowers its post-sunset altitude in May, bringing it nearer the horizon and making the May-June period optimal for viewing both planets.

Venus and Jupiter are closing in one each other. Here's how to capture spectacular images of their close encounterCosmic Trio Shines at Dusk, by Dennis Mammana

• May 17: Crescent Moon low in the west after sunset; Venus dominates.

Cosmic Trio Shines at Dusk, by Dennis Mammana

• May 18: Moon appears near Venus.

Cosmic Trio Shines at Dusk, by Dennis Mammana

• May 19: Moon moves between Venus and Jupiter.

Cosmic Trio Shines at Dusk, by Dennis Mammana

• May 20: Moon thickens and rises above Jupiter.

Cosmic Trio Shines at Dusk, by Dennis Mammana

• June 9: Venus and Jupiter separate by 1.6°.

Venus and Jupiter are closing in one each other. Here's how to capture spectacular images of their close encounter

• July 29: Jupiter reaches superior conjunction.

Venus and Jupiter are closing in one each other. Here's how to capture spectacular images of their close encounter

Photographers should pick a flat, unobstructed view toward the north-west horizon and include a foreground such as a building or tree. A planetarium app confirms that Venus, Jupiter and the Moon remain above the horizon and provides their altitude. Required gear: tripod, remote shutter release and a wide-angle lens. Start with a test exposure at f/11, ISO 1600, 2.5 s, then tweak to keep the planets sharp while avoiding sky over-exposure. Capture frames 15 minutes before and after the chosen time; later blend them in a layer-based editor using “Lighten”. Stacking images from successive evenings can reveal the planets’ motion.

Venus and Jupiter are closing in one each other. Here's how to capture spectacular images of their close encounter

The conjunction places two bright planets within a narrow 1.6° gap against bright twilight, offering a vivid demonstration of planetary motion for amateurs. The low-altitude setting and the presence of the Moon enable creative compositions that blend celestial and terrestrial elements, even with a smartphone.

Cosmic Trio Shines at Dusk, by Dennis Mammana

• “Evening twilight is prolonged too, the sky staying very light for ages after sunset.” — Pete Lawrence, *Sky at Night Magazine*

Venus and Jupiter are closing in one each other. Here's how to capture spectacular images of their close encounter

• “If you shoot half an hour or so after sunset, you can probably trust the automatic settings of your camera or phone.” — Dennis Mammana, *Creators.com*

Cosmic Trio Shines at Dusk, by Dennis Mammana

• “You don't need fancy or expensive equipment to do this; just a regular camera or smartphone will do fine.” — Dennis Mammana, *Creators.com*

Cosmic Trio Shines at Dusk, by Dennis Mammana

After the May-June window, the planets separate. The next close visual pairing on June 9 offers the clearest view, followed by Jupiter’s superior conjunction on July 29, 2026, which ends evening visibility until it returns to the morning sky later in the year.

Venus and Jupiter are closing in one each other. Here's how to capture spectacular images of their close encounter