Science
Jun 17, 20261
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Moon to Occult Venus in Rare Daylight Event on 17 June
Venus, Mercury, Jupiter and a thin crescent Moon will form a striking sequence in the early evening sky from 15 to 17 June. The highlight is a rare daytime lunar occultation of Venus on 17 June, visible as the Moon briefly blocks the planet from view in parts of the Americas.
Quick Facts
Who
Venus
What
A crescent Moon will join Venus in the western sky
When
15 June
Where
western sky
- A crescent Moon will join Venus in the western sky
- A daylight lunar occultation of Venus will occur on 17 June
- Mercury, Jupiter and Venus will appear in a near-straight line after sunset
- The Moon will pass close to Mercury on 16 June
- Venus
A thin crescent Moon is set to join Venus in the western sky this week, culminating in a rare daylight lunar occultation of Venus on 17 June. During the event, the Moon will pass in front of Venus and briefly hide the planet from view for observers in parts of North and South America.
Skywatchers can also look for a line of bright objects low in the northwest after sunset on 15 June, when Mercury, Jupiter and Venus appear in a near-straight alignment. On 16 June, the crescent Moon will pass close to Mercury, with Venus and Jupiter helping observers locate the dimmer planet.
By the evening of 17 June, the Moon and Venus will be close together in the early evening sky, with the exact appearance depending on location. In Europe, the pair will be seen as a close conjunction, while viewers in much of North America, Brazil and Venezuela will witness the Moon cover Venus.
Astronomers caution that the occultation will take place in daylight for some regions, so observers should take care not to look toward the Sun. Clear horizons and a darkening sky after sunset will offer the best viewing conditions for the earlier alignments.
Why This Matters
This celestial event offers a rare chance to see a daytime occultation of Venus, which is an unusual and striking sight. Knowing the times and visibility for your location allows you to plan viewing without missing the alignment of three bright planets, making it a memorable experience for amateur astronomers and casual observers alike.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 15, 2026
WireMercury, Jupiter and Venus appear in a near-straight line low in the northwest after sunset.
Jun 16, 2026
WireA very thin crescent Moon passes close to Mercury in the northwest sky.
Jun 17, 2026
WireThe crescent Moon appears close to Venus, and a daylight lunar occultation of Venus occurs in some regions.