Venus and Jupiter Conjunction visible from naked eye: Here's when and where to get the best view

Economic Times

a day ago

A planetary conjunction takes place when two or more planets seem to align closely in the sky as viewed from Earth, despite being separated by tens of millions of kilometres in space.
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In a celestial spectacle that delighted early risers across much of the Northern Hemisphere, Venus and Jupiter appeared to 'kiss' in the dawn sky on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, as part of a rare planetary conjunction . Astronomers say those who missed the closest approach today still have several days to catch the two brightest planets shining side by side before sunrise.A planetary conjunction occurs when at least two planets appear close together from Earth's perspective, even though they remain separated by tens of millions of kilometres in space. This visual closeness is due to the planets' orbits aligning on the same side of the Sun. According to the nonprofit Planetary Society, conjunctions happen because planets travel at different speeds in their orbits, occasionally lining up from our vantage point.The current Venus–Jupiter encounter is a prime example, offering skywatchers the chance to see two of the brightest objects in our night sky together — no telescope required.NASA says the planets made their closest approach between August 11 and 12, framed against a backdrop of bright constellations such as Orion, Taurus, Gemini and the dazzling star Sirius. Over the coming week, Venus and Jupiter will gradually drift apart, but remain visible before dawn.A thin crescent Moon will join the show between August 19 and 20, creating another striking formation. Later this month, Mercury will also enter the morning sky, setting up a brief but beautiful planetary alignment.From the Northern Hemisphere, both Venus and Jupiter will rise in the northeast at around 3 a.m. local time. Observers are advised to choose a location with a flat, unobstructed eastern horizon, free from buildings or trees.Because the planets will be visible for only a short time before being washed out by sunrise, an early start is essential. 'After the Sun and Moon, Venus and Jupiter are the brightest natural objects in the sky,' a NASA spokesperson noted. 'If you see two unusually bright 'stars' close together in the east before sunrise, you've found them.'Astronomers emphasise that close approaches between Venus and Jupiter are not common. 'This is one of those 'don't miss' sky events,' said a Delhi-based amateur astronomer. 'Even without special equipment, it's a unique opportunity to witness planetary motion in action.'The August 12 encounter was the highlight, but the pair will remain close enough for easy spotting over the next several mornings.Because Venus is the brightest planet visible from Earth and Jupiter is among the brightest, the conjunction is easily seen without telescopes or binoculars. That makes it a particularly good event for children or those new to stargazing.Smartphone photographers can also attempt to capture the event. With some manual setting adjustments, even basic phone cameras can record the two planets against the dawn sky.This year's conjunction coincides with the annual Perseid meteor shower, which peaks in mid-August. Though the 2025 display is hampered by the brightness of the Moon, observers still stand a chance of spotting meteors. Those watching for shooting stars before dawn can simply extend their vigil to witness Venus and Jupiter in their close embrace.'This is the kind of morning that makes you forget the alarm clock pain,' joked an observer in Jaipur. 'Seeing a shooting star and a planetary conjunction before breakfast is rare bragging material.'While binoculars and telescopes can provide a closer view — revealing details like Jupiter's moons — observers are urged to be cautious. As the Sun rises in the same direction, there is a risk of accidental exposure to direct sunlight, which can cause serious eye damage.The safest approach, experts say, is to enjoy the view with the naked eye or set a strict cut-off time before the Sun breaches the horizon.After Venus and Jupiter part ways later this month, Mercury will climb higher in the morning sky, joining Venus briefly. By September, the dawn spectacle will give way to other planetary arrangements, but August's conjunction will be remembered as one of the year's highlights for skywatchers.Astronomers note that such events are not just visual treats; they also help the public reconnect with the rhythms of the solar system. 'When you watch two planets converge and then separate, you're literally seeing celestial mechanics at work,' said an astronomer from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics. 'It's both beautiful and a reminder of our place in the cosmos.'For now, anyone willing to rise before dawn over the next few mornings still has a chance to witness Venus and Jupiter glowing side by side in the eastern sky, a short-lived cosmic rendezvous before each returns to its solitary journey around the Sun.A planetary conjunction happens when two or more planets appear close together in the sky from Earth's perspective, even though they are separated by tens of millions of kilometres in space. This occurs because the planets' orbits occasionally align on the same side of the Sun.Their closest approach took place between August 11 and 12, 2025, but they will remain visible side by side in the dawn sky for several days afterward.