The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand invites the public to observe the phenomenon called the "planetary conjunction" where Venus appears near Jupiter in the western sky during early evenings of 8-10 June 2026
FacebookNARIT, the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailandposted a message stating, "During the early evenings of 8 - 10 June 2026, a planetary conjunction will occur featuring two planets, Venus and Jupiter, appearing close together in the western sky. Especially on 9 June, the two planets will be at their closest apparent position, observable in the west after sunset until about 9:20 p.m."
Additionally, during this period, the bright stars Pollux and Castor, prominent in the Gemini constellation, will be visible just to the right of the planets.
On 10 June 2026 at 2:42 a.m., Venus and Jupiter will be at their closest angular separation of only 1.6 degrees; however, observation at this time is not possible because both planets will have set below the horizon.
The planetary conjunction phenomenon refers to two or more planets appearing close together in the sky within an angular separation of 1 to 5 degrees. To the naked eye, this distance is about the width of a little finger held at arm’s length (angular measurements on the sky can be estimated by extending the hand—one degree corresponds to roughly the width of a little finger). This is a common astronomical event since planets continuously change positions in the sky.
However, although multiple planets may appear close together in the sky during this time, they are not physically near each other in space. All planets in the solar system orbit the Sun in roughly the same plane, so from Earth's viewpoint within this plane, the planets appear close or aligned along the ecliptic line. This phenomenon is purely a matter of perspective from Earth and does not indicate their actual positions in space."
Thanks to Facebook page NARIT, the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand