Venus, Jupiter And Mercury To Align Over Fairfield County Sky: Here's When To Look

DANBURY, CT — Connecticut skywatchers will have several chances to spot a rare planetary lineup this month as Venus, Jupiter and Mercury gather in the western sky after sunset, according to NASA.

According to NASA, Venus and Jupiter — two of the brightest planets visible from Earth — will appear unusually close together in the western sky after sunset on June 9.

The event, known as a planetary conjunction, occurs when planets appear near each other from Earth's perspective.

The show continues from June 11 through June 15, when Mercury joins Venus and Jupiter to create a "planet parade" low on the western horizon after sunset. Venus will be the easiest planet to spot, while Mercury may require a clear view of the horizon.

Another highlight arrives June 17, when the Moon will appear close to Venus. NASA says some locations will even see the Moon pass directly in front of the planet.

Fairfield County residents hoping to catch the planetary lineup should seek out locations with a clear western view and limited light pollution. Higher-elevation areas, open lakefronts and wide-open fields and portions of the Connecticut coastline with western views may offer the best viewing conditions.