Home / Science / Young Moon Meets Bright Venus This Week
Young Moon Meets Bright Venus This Week
15 Jun
Summary
- A three-day-old moon will appear near bright Venus.
- The celestial pair will be visible in the constellation Cancer.
- Earthshine may be visible on the unilluminated moon portion.
A captivating celestial event is set to occur this week as a slender, three-day-old moon aligns with the bright planet Venus. The moon, only 11% illuminated, will appear less than a moon's width from Venus. This conjunction will take place in the constellation Cancer, the crab. For viewers in the UK, the pairing will be low in the western sky around 9:45 PM BST on June 17, 2026. Clear western horizons will offer the best viewing conditions.
As twilight deepens, observers should look for Earthshine, the faint glow on the unilluminated portion of the moon caused by sunlight reflecting off Earth. Binoculars can enhance the view, but it's crucial to wait until after sunset to use them safely. Those in the Southern Hemisphere will have an easier time observing this phenomenon, as it will be higher in the sky and visible earlier in the evening.
