المملكة: Jeddah Astronomy: The conjunction of Venus and Jupiter in early June decorates the Kingdom’s sky with the most beautiful scenes of 2026
The President of the Astronomical Society in Jeddah, Engineer Majed Abu Zahra, revealed that The skies of Saudi Arabia and the Arab world are witnessing, during the first days of June 2026, a distinctive astronomical display represented by the planets Venus and Jupiter approaching each other above the western horizon after sunset, in a scene that becomes more beautiful night after night as they head towards a very close conjunction on June 8 and 9.
He explained that the two planets currently appear clearly to the west immediately after sunset, where they can be easily spotted with the naked eye, as the planet Venus shines. It is extremely bright as the brightest A celestial body in the sky after the sun and the moon, while Jupiter appears as a bright, less bright point next to it.
The phenomenon of planetary conjunction
Abu Zahra explained that this phenomenon is known astronomically as “planetary conjunction,” and it occurs when celestial bodies appear close together in the sky from the perspective of the observer on Earth, even though the real distances separating them in space remain very vast.
He added that the apparent angular distance between the two planets will decrease significantly as the date of the main conjunction approaches on June 8 and 9, making the scene one of the most prominent and beautiful Astronomical phenomena during the month, especially in locations that enjoy an open western horizon free of natural and urban obstacles.
He pointed out that the celestial display will not be limited to Venus and Jupiter only, as the planet Mercury will gradually begin to appear in the twilight sky during the coming days, joining the two planets and forming with them a relatively rare triple scene that adorns the western horizon after sunset.
Tips for photography and follow-up. The phenomenon
He stressed that this phenomenon represents an ideal opportunity for amateur astrophotography and lovers of observing the sky, as the scene can be documented using smartphone cameras or professional cameras, especially during the short period after sunset and before the planets disappear below the horizon.
Abu Zahra advised those wishing to follow the phenomenon to choose locations far from light pollution, with the necessity of having a clear view towards the western horizon, and to begin monitoring about 20 to 40 minutes after sunset, when the sky becomes clear. Darker as the planets continue to appear above the horizon.
He concluded his speech by emphasizing that such astronomical phenomena do not have any effects on Earth, but they provide a scientific and aesthetic opportunity to understand the movement of the planets within the solar system and follow the daily changes that the sky witnesses, in addition to enhancing interest in astronomy and observation among various segments of society.
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