Don’t Miss Tonight’s Planetary Dance: Jupiter and Mercury Meet in a Stunning After-Sunset Spectacle
Catch a rare Jupiter-Mercury conjunction just after sunset! Find out when, where, and how to see this eye-popping cosmic meeting tonight.
• Mercury and Jupiter visible together for only 30 mins after sunset
• Mercury is 116 million miles from Earth; Jupiter, 570 million miles
• Both shine brighter than nearly any other evening objects
• Best viewing: Clear western horizon, shortly after sunset
Tonight, skywatchers can witness a rare and dazzling astronomical event as Mercury and Jupiter align in a spectacular conjunction. This fleeting moment will paint the western twilight with brilliance, putting on one of 2025’s most unforgettable night-sky shows.
Mercury, the speedy inner planet, passes just 2° north of giant Jupiter at 4 P.M. EDT. By sunset, both planets hover low above the horizon, shining brightly amid the waning glow.
When and Where Should You Look?
Timing is everything. Mercury and Jupiter will be just a few degrees above the western horizon a half hour after sunset—meaning you have to act fast!
- Sunset: 8:27 P.M. local time
- Best viewing window: 8:30–9:00 P.M., right after sunset
- Find a spot with a clear view west—fields, beaches, or rooftops work best
Times based on 40° N, 90° W; check your local times for accuracy.
How Bright Will They Be? Can You Tell Them Apart?
Mercury shines with a vivid magnitude of –1.3, sitting just above and to the right of Jupiter (at a slightly brighter –1.9). Both planets easily outshine any nearby stars, making them prime targets for binoculars and wide-field telescopes. Mercury’s tiny but sharp 5-arcsecond disk is nearly fully illuminated, while Jupiter’s massive globe—32 arcseconds in width—outclasses it in size and radiance from nearly five times farther away.
Mercury’s proximity to Earth means it appears smaller but slightly more illuminated, while Jupiter dominates in sheer physical size. For added fun, try scanning Jupiter for a hint of its Galilean moons, though these faint points can be a challenge so close to sunset.
Curious how these planets rank among tonight’s celestial lineup? For comprehensive night sky updates, visit NASA or check global observation guides on Time and Date.
Is It Safe to View with Binoculars or a Telescope?
Absolutely—just make sure the Sun has fully set before pointing any optics near the horizon. Early evening rays can seriously damage your eyesight if any sunlight remains in your field of view. Once the Sun dips below the landscape, Mercury and Jupiter are safe and thrilling targets.
What Else is Happening in Tonight’s Sky?
While the spotlight is on Mercury and Jupiter, keen observers can also catch a waxing gibbous Moon, sitting high and bright with 94% illumination. Moonrise happens at 6:26 P.M., and the moon lingers until early morning hours.
For calendar dates of more stargazing opportunities, bookmark observatory schedules or follow updates at Sky & Telescope.
How Can You Photograph the Conjunction?
Want a stunning keepsake? Set up a tripod and use at least a 100mm zoom lens. Capture frames during twilight for the best color, and use an exposure of 1–2 seconds to balance the planets against the twilight sky. Double-check focus beforehand and bracket exposures for best results.
Ready to Chase the Planets? Make the Most of This Celestial Duo!
- Confirm local sunset time
- Find a wide-open view to the west
- Bring binoculars for a closer look
- Wait for the Sun to set before using optics
- Snap a photo and share your cosmic catch!
Step outside tonight and look west—don’t let this astral encounter slip below the horizon!