A slender crescent moon will join the brilliant planet Venus this week for a captivating twilight conjunction. The moon, just over three days old, will have only 11% of its visible surface illuminated.
Observing the Pairing
Venus will shine brightly, appearing less than a moon's width away from our natural satellite. The duo will be located in the constellation Cancer, the crab. The accompanying chart illustrates the view looking west from London at 21:45 BST on June 17, 2026. For observers in the UK, the pairing will be low in the sky, so it is advisable to find the clearest western horizon possible.
Earthshine and Viewing Tips
As with any young moon, watch for Earthshine on the unilluminated portion of the lunar disk as the sky darkens. This phenomenon occurs when sunlight reflects off Earth, onto the moon, and back again. The conjunction is also an excellent target for binoculars, but ensure the sun has completely set before sweeping the sky. Even a brief glimpse of the sun through optical devices can cause permanent eye damage.
From the southern hemisphere, the conjunction will be easier to observe, occurring earlier in the evening and higher in the sky.
