Starwatch: Sliver of moon and bright Venus create delightful twilight conjunction
This week, a thin crescent moon joins brilliant Venus in a twilight conjunction, offering a stunning view for skywatchers in both hemispheres.
A silver sliver of the moon is set to join the bright beacon of Venus this week for a delightful twilight conjunction, captivating stargazers around the world.
The moon will be just over three days old, with only 11% of its visible surface illuminated. Venus will shine brightly, appearing less than a moon's width away from our natural satellite. The pair will be situated in the constellation of Cancer, the crab.
For observers in the UK, the pairing will be low in the sky, so choosing the clearest western horizon is essential. The provided chart shows the view looking west from London at 21:45 BST on 17 June 2026.
As with any young moon, look for earthshine on the unilluminated portion of the lunar disc as the sky darkens. This phenomenon occurs when sunlight reflects off Earth onto the moon and back again.
Binoculars would be a fine tool to enhance the view, but it is crucial not to sweep them across the sky until the sun has completely set. Even a brief glimpse of the sun through any optical device can cause permanent eye damage.
From the southern hemisphere, the conjunction should be easier to see as it occurs earlier in the evening and at a higher altitude in the sky.
