Stargazers across Singapore are in for a treat: two of the brightest planets in the solar system, Venus and Jupiter, will appear to sidle up to one another in the western sky on the evenings of June 8 and 9, creating a rare and easily visible conjunction.
During this celestial event, the two planets will seem just two degrees apart to the naked eye—roughly the width of four full moons side by side—despite being separated by hundreds of millions of miles in space. According to astronomy tracking site TheSkyLive, the best viewing direction in Singapore is the north-eastern sky, with the planetary pair lingering low over the horizon for about two to two and a half hours after dusk before slowly fading from view.
How and When to Spot the Pair
The conjunction is easiest to catch shortly after sunset, when the encounter reaches its peak brightness and proximity, reports National Geographic. Look toward the western horizon just as twilight deepens—Venus will shine roughly 7.5 times brighter than Jupiter, according to LiveScience, making it the easier of the two to locate first. Both planets will appear to drift behind the setting sun, so timing is key: aim for a clear view of the horizon between 7:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. local time on either night.
No telescope or binoculars are necessary, though a pair of astronomy binoculars could enhance the view. For best results, find a spot with minimal light pollution and a low western horizon—rooftop bars, open parks, or coastal walkways in areas like Marina Bay or East Coast Park are ideal.
Bonus Planets and a Celestial Signpost
The sky show doesn’t end with the main duo. Look just below Venus and Jupiter, and you might spot Mercury, the smallest planet in the group and usually the hardest to catch because it stays so close to the Sun’s glare. Right now, Mercury is slowly moving toward its “best viewing” moment on June 15, when it will reach its greatest separation from the Sun in the sky—making it briefly easier to see during twilight.
Even more exciting: the close pairing of Venus and Jupiter acts as a handy signpost for finding the constellation Gemini. During this conjunction, the two planets sit right beside Gemini’s twin stars, Pollux and Castor, which are bright enough to pick out even in city skies, making them a useful way to orient yourself in the night sky.
Why This Conjunction Matters
Conjunctions between Venus and Jupiter occur roughly once a year on average, but their visibility varies depending on their position relative to the Sun and Earth. This weekend’s event is particularly favorable for equatorial observers like Singapore, where the planets will remain visible for an extended window after dusk. It also serves as a reminder of the dynamic, ever-changing nature of our solar system—and an accessible invitation for city dwellers to look up.
Actionable Takeaways for Stargazers
- When: June 8 and 9, 2026, starting shortly after sunset (around 7:15 p.m. local time).
- Where: Look toward the north-eastern sky from a spot with a low, unobstructed horizon.
- What to bring: Just your eyes, though binoculars help. A sky-mapping app can confirm the planets’ positions.
- Bonus: Check back on June 15 for Mercury’s best appearance of the year.
For Singaporeans new to stargazing, this weekend’s conjunction offers a rare, free, and family-friendly way to connect with the cosmos—no astronomy degree required. Just step outside, look west, and let the brightest two planets in our night sky do the rest.