Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter align low over the western horizon after sundown, making a satisfying mini planetary parade and an ideal astrophoto alternative utilizing a wide-angle lens and even only a smartphone.
Though Venus and Jupiter have drifted aside barely since their tight embrace on June 9, Mercury has climbed up fantastically from the solar’s glare to hitch the get together. Collectively, they kind a putting slanted line alongside the ecliptic within the west-northwestern sky proper after sundown.
This can be a high-speed recreation. The optimum viewing window begins precisely half-hour after your native sundown and lasts for under about 30 to 45 minutes earlier than Jupiter and Mercury observe the sun below the horizon.
Look for blazing Venus first — it will pop out while the sky is still bright. Drop your eyes down and slightly to the right to easily spot Mercury and Jupiter.
For observers using telescopes or imaging equipment, June 12 also offers an interesting opportunity to compare the appearance of the three worlds. Venus will show a small, intensely bright, 80%-illuminated gibbous disk, while Mercury will present a stark contrast with its 50%-illuminated “half-moon” phase. Resolving a clean, tiny half-Mercury in twilight is an elite visual feather in any amateur’s cap. Jupiter will appear as a much larger disk, although its low position above the horizon means atmospheric turbulence may blur some detail. Under steady conditions, advanced imagers may be able to capture hints of the planet’s famous equatorial cloud belts alongside Mercury’s sharply defined silhouette.
For photographers, however, June 12 is all about landscape composition. Put away the prime-focus telescope adaptors and grab a 50 mm to 85 mm prime lens on a DSLR/mirrorless camera. Expose for the deep twilight sky colors and frame the three planets as a slanted cosmic ladder ascending over a crisp local silhouette — like a mountain ridge, a distant city skyline, or a line of pine trees.
If you’re looking for a telescope or binoculars to observe the night sky in more detail, our guides for the best binocular deals and the best telescope deals can help. Our best cameras for astrophotography and best lenses for astrophotography can help you get ready to capture the next stunning skywatching event.