Story perspectives

Mercury, Venus, Jupiter Align Over Somerset Sunset

6/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

On June 1 2024, Mercury, Venus and Jupiter aligned low over the western horizon after sunset.
Photographer Josh Dury captured the alignment near Somerset, England.
The viewing window opened 30 minutes after sunset, lasted 30-45 minutes, and showed Venus 80 % illuminated, Mercury 50 %, and Jupiter as a larger low disk.
On June 12, telescopes let observers compare the planets using a 50-85 mm prime lens on a DSLR or mirrorless camera with premium astrophotography gear.

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Story summary

On June 1 2024, Mercury, Venus and Jupiter aligned low over the western horizon after sunset.
Photographer Josh Dury captured the alignment near Somerset, England.
The viewing window opened 30 minutes after sunset, lasted 30-45 minutes, and showed Venus 80 % illuminated, Mercury 50 %, and Jupiter as a larger low disk.
On June 12, telescopes let observers compare the planets using a 50-85 mm prime lens on a DSLR or mirrorless camera with premium astrophotography gear.