Jupiter, Venus and Mercury Form 3-Planet Evening Line on May 27
Updated
Updated · Space.com · May 27
Jupiter, Venus and Mercury Form 3-Planet Evening Line on May 27
3 articles · Updated · Space.com · May 27
Summary
May 27 brings a rare evening alignment of Jupiter, Venus and Mercury, creating a visible "planetary bridge" between Gemini and Taurus after sunset.
Jupiter sits about 30 degrees above the western horizon, Venus glows lower right of it, and Mercury hugs the horizon—making it the hardest of the three to spot in twilight.
U.S. viewers have less than 90 minutes after sunset to catch Mercury, while Venus sets roughly an hour later and Jupiter remains visible until shortly before midnight near Castor and Pollux.
Binoculars or a small telescope can also reveal Jupiter's four Galilean moons, while 4-inch to 8-inch scopes improve views of Venus's phases and Jupiter's cloud bands and storms.