If you've been glancing west after the sun goes down lately, you may have spotted two unusually bright "stars" hanging low on the horizon. Those aren't stars at all — they're Jupiter and Venus, and over the next few days, they're going to get remarkably close together in what astronomers call a conjunction.
What Is a Planetary Conjunction?
A conjunction happens when two planets appear to line up in the sky from our perspective here on Earth. They're not actually close to each other in space — Jupiter is hundreds of millions of kilometres away — but the geometry of our solar system occasionally lines them up beautifully from our vantage point.
Venus and Jupiter are the two brightest planets visible to the naked eye, which makes their pairings some of the most spectacular sky events of the year. No telescope required.
When and Where to Look
Head outside shortly after sunset and look toward the western horizon. The two planets will be visible as the sky darkens, appearing as two brilliant points of light close together. The closer they appear, the more dramatic the view.
For the best experience, find a spot with a clear, unobstructed view to the west — a park, a hill, or even an open parking lot away from tall buildings. Light pollution will dim the surrounding stars but won't wash out Venus and Jupiter, which are bright enough to shine through even city skies.
Across Canada, from Vancouver to Halifax, the conjunction will be visible weather permitting. The further north you are, the lower the planets will appear on the horizon, so acting early in the evening — before the planets set — is key.
Tips for the Best View
You don't need any special equipment to enjoy this event, but a pair of binoculars will reward you with extra detail, including Jupiter's four largest moons — the Galilean moons — lined up alongside the gas giant. Even a basic smartphone camera on night mode can capture the pairing.
If you want to push further, a small backyard telescope will reveal Jupiter's cloud bands and the slight crescent phase of Venus, which, like the Moon, goes through phases as it orbits the Sun.
Check your local weather forecast before heading out — a clear night is everything for stargazing.
A Great Excuse to Look Up
Events like this are a reminder of how accessible astronomy can be. No memberships, no apps required — just a clear sky and a few minutes of your evening. Astronomy clubs across Canada, including in Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver, often host informal public viewings for events like this if you want to enjoy it with fellow sky-watchers.
The planets will remain close in the sky for several days, so even if clouds roll in tonight, keep an eye on the forecast for another chance.
Source: CBC News Science
