On May 19 and 20, 2026, a thin crescent Moon will pass near Venus and then Jupiter in consecutive evenings, visible to the naked eye just after sunset in the western sky.
Venus and the Moon align on May 19
On May 19, the Moon will be only 8% illuminated and appear close to Venus, which shines at magnitude –3.9 in the constellation Taurus. Venus will be the brightest object in the night sky after the Sun and Moon, easily visible even from light-polluted cities. The pair will be low on the western horizon and observable for only 20 to 30 minutes after sunset before setting.
Jupiter and the Moon align on May 20
The following evening, May 20, the crescent Moon will appear near Jupiter in the constellation Gemini. Jupiter will shine at magnitude –1.9, fainter than Venus but still readily visible to the naked eye. The stars Castor and Pollux will likewise be nearby, adding to the view. No telescope or special equipment is needed to observe either conjunction.
Why this sequence is rare
The back-to-back conjunctions with different planets are uncommon because the Moon’s motion relative to the Sun and planets rarely aligns to create such a clear, consecutive sequence visible without optical aid. The last time a similar double conjunction with Venus and Jupiter occurred in quick succession was in 2020, though visibility conditions varied.
Do I need a telescope to notice the Moon near Venus or Jupiter?
No, both conjunctions are visible to the naked eye from urban areas with clear western horizons.
When exactly should I gaze for the Moon and planets?
Look west just after sunset on May 19 and 20, 2026 and observe within 20 to 30 minutes before the Moon and planets set below the horizon.
Worth a look