This week, the two brightest planets in our solar system, Venus and Jupiter, will meet in the western twilight sky, providing a spectacular sight for observers. The chart shows the view looking west-northwest at 21:45 BST. No stars will yet be visible, but Venus and Jupiter will shine brilliantly against the darkening sky.
How to Spot the Planets
The planets will be separated by about 1.5 degrees, which is roughly the width of three full moons. They will be low to the horizon, so a clear sightline in their direction is essential. If you can find a hill, that will improve your chances of seeing them.
Venus and Jupiter in Gemini
Venus is the easier of the two to spot, appearing as the brilliant 'evening star' with a magnitude of about -4.0. Jupiter is fainter but still bright at magnitude -1.9. Both planets are currently located in the constellation Gemini, the twins. However, the stars of Gemini will only become visible as the sky darkens and the planets move closer to the horizon. The constellation's two brightest stars, Castor and Pollux, will be the first to shine through.
For those with an excellent view of the western horizon, there is also a chance to see the inner planet Mercury. It lies midway down the bodies of the twins. But observers will be in a race against time for the sky to darken enough before Mercury disappears below the horizon.
