Stargazers are in for a treat towards the end of February and early March. Jupiter and Venus will appear close to each other in the evening sky. Such an event is technically called an appulse, where two planets appear in close conjunction.
The two bright planets joining one another and setting towards the West horizon in the glow of the early-evening sunset should look spectacular!
Jupiter and Venus reach conjunction once every year, so this event is not rare. However, the event in 2023 is special as they will appear at their closest for decades.
How to observe the conjunction between Venus and Jupiter
Observing the conjunction between Venus and Jupiter is simple! The two planets are easily bright enough to be seen by the naked eye without any visual aid. Look towards the West horizon about an hour after sunset for two bright star-like objects. Venus will be the brightest of the two. If you have a telescope or binoculars, try observing Jupiter once it is dark, and you should see up to four of its largest Moons! Alternatively, see our map of stargazing events to see if there is a public event taking place near you.
Conjunction with the Moon
We recommend starting your observation of this conjunction on the 22nd of February when the two planets, still with a good gap between them, are joined by a thin crescent Moon.
The crescent Moon joins Jupiter and Venus. Image: Stellarium
The planets get closer
Venus will gradually appear closer each evening to Jupiter as the month progresses. This is the solar system in action! Venus is travelling in its orbit around the Sun and, being an inner planet, moves quite fast relative to the slower-orbiting Jupiter!
Jupiter and Venus closest conjunction
On the evening of 1st March 2023, Venus will be closest to Jupiter in the sky, and the two planets will appear like jewels suspended in the dusk skies!
Closest conjunction of Venus and Jupiter. Image: Stellarium
Why will Jupiter and Venus appear close to each other?
The following graphic created using Solar System Scope shows the position of the planets (not to scale) relative to Earth on the 1st of March 2023. Observers from Earth looking towards Venus will see Jupiter in the distance. This line-of-sight effect means the two planets appear near each other in the sky. Cool!
Interested in astronomy but not sure where to start?
We’d love to help you! Look at our stargazing locations map of recommended places, our observatory map, find stargazing events near you and look up your local astronomy group who would welcome you! You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Clear skies!
Cover image: Solar System Scope
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