Where to See a Planetary Conjunction: A Beginner’s Guide

Ever look up at night and see two bright “stars” that are way too close? Like they’re leaning over the cosmic fence to chat?

Yeah, those aren’t stars.

You just witnessed a planetary conjunction. It’s one of the coolest and easiest-to-see shows in the entire night sky.

People have been obsessed with this sight for thousands of years. It’s sparked myths. Guided travelers. It’s a solid reminder of the massive celestial dance happening right over our heads. But you’ve probably got practical questions. What is that, really? And more importantly, where to see a planetary conjunction so you don’t miss the next one?

Look, I get it. Astronomy feels intimidating. You think you need complex charts, a pricey telescope, and a physics degree just to find anything.

That’s just not true. I’m here to tell you it’s not.

This guide is your starting point. We’re ditching the dense jargon. We’re focusing on the simple, human experience of just finding and enjoying the show. You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to know where, when, and how to look up.

I’ll walk you through all of it.

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Key Takeaways

Before we dive in, here are the most important things to remember.

• Your Best Location: You need to get away from city lights (light pollution). Find a spot with a clear, wide-open view of the horizon. Think big fields, lakes, or the top of a hill.
• Timing is Everything: Most conjunctions are best right after sunset (look west) or just before sunrise (look east). You’ve got to use an app or website to know the exact dates and times for your town.
• Your Eyes Are Enough: You don’t need fancy gear. Most of these events are dazzling with just your eyes. That said, a simple pair of binoculars will make the view way better. You might even spot Jupiter’s moons.
• Plan Your View: Use a simple sky app on your phone. Stellarium or SkyView are great. Do it before you go out. The app will show you exactly where the planets will be from your spot, so you know which way to face.
• Solar Safety: This is the one rule you can’t break. NEVER use binoculars or a telescope to look for planets while the Sun is still up. You will cause permanent, instant eye damage. Don’t do it.

So, What Exactly Am I Looking For?

Let’s clear this up right away. “Planetary conjunction” sounds super technical. The concept is dead simple.

It’s a line-of-sight trick.

From where we’re standing on Earth, two or more planets look like they’re passing extremely close to each other. They team up for a night or two, forming a beautiful, temporary pair that pops out from the background stars.

Is a Planetary Conjunction Just “Planets Getting Cozy?”

Visually? Yes. That’s the perfect way to think about it. They look like they’re about to touch.

But in reality, they are unimaginably far apart. Millions, sometimes hundreds of millions, of miles separate them. One planet, like Venus, might be relatively close to us. The other, like Saturn, could be way out on the other side of the solar system.

It’s all about perspective.

Try this: Hold up your thumb. Close one eye. Line your thumb up with a tree way across the street. Your thumb and the tree look like they’re in the same spot, right? That’s a conjunction. You, your thumb, and the tree are in a straight line. Now, just swap your thumb for a nearby planet and the tree for a distant one.

That’s the magic of the solar system’s scale.

Will They Actually Collide?

(Spoiler: No)

Nope. Absolutely not. This is the most common question I hear, and it’s a totally logical one. From here, they can look like they’re on a collision course.

But rest assured, the planets are all moving in their own stable, predictable orbits. They’ve been doing it for billions of years. They are like runners on different tracks in a giant stadium. Sometimes, from your seat in the bleachers, two runners in different lanes line up perfectly. It looks like they’re side-by-side.

They’re just in their own lanes, completely unaware of the visual drama they’re creating for us. The show is beautiful, but it’s a peaceful one.

Why Should I Even Bother Looking for a Conjunction?

Let’s be honest. We live in a busy, brightly-lit world. It’s easy to forget to even look up. We’ve got notifications, deadlines, and a constant stream of content.

A conjunction is the perfect antidote.

It’s a moment of pure, quiet awe. It’s a celestial event that costs nothing. It requires no special ticket. It connects you directly to the universe. It’s a gut-check reminder that you’re standing on a moving planet, part of a giant, clockwork system.

And frankly, it just looks cool.

Seeing two brilliant jewels hanging side-by-side in the twilight is a genuinely breathtaking experience.

It’s also a shared human experience. When you watch a conjunction, you’re seeing the same sight that awed ancient Babylonians, Greek philosophers, and Mayan astronomers. That’s a powerful connection to our own history.

Are We Talking Astronomy or Astrology Here?

This is a key distinction. It’s important.

What I’m talking about—and what this guide is all about—is astronomy. Astronomy is the science. It’s the study of what these objects are, where they are, and how they move. When we talk about where to see a planetary conjunction, we are using physics and math to predict a real, physical event.

Astrology is a system of belief. It assigns meaning or influence to the positions of these objects.

To put it simply:

• Astronomy is the science of where the planets are.
• Astrology is the belief in what the planets’ positions mean.

I’m not here to tell you what to believe. But I am here to give you the scientific tools to go out, find these planets for yourself, and just appreciate the physical, observable beauty of it all.

What Makes Some Conjunctions “Great”?

You’ll hear the media buzz about a “Great Conjunction.” This isn’t just hype.

That title is special. It’s reserved only for conjunctions between our solar system’s two largest planets: Jupiter and Saturn. These are the giants. The kings.

Because they move so slowly in their distant orbits, they only appear to meet up in our sky about once every 20 years. This makes every Great Conjunction a special, generational event.

The one in December 2020 was a huge deal. It was the closest “easy-to-observe” Great Conjunction since the Middle Ages. The two planets were so close they almost looked like a single, bright, elongated star.

Other conjunctions are more common (like Venus and Jupiter, or Mars and Saturn). They’re all special. But when you hear “Great Conjunction,” you know that’s the 20-year reunion of the two biggest players in our solar system.

Okay, I’m In. When is the Next Planetary Conjunction?

This is rule #1 of successful stargazing: you must know when to look. You can’t just walk outside on a random Tuesday and hope to see one. These are specific, predictable, and often time-sensitive events.

The planets are always moving. A “conjunction” is technically the single moment of their closest approach. But the “show” is usually good for a few days before and after that peak. The planets will appear to crawl closer together each night, pass each other, and then slowly drift apart again.

So, how do you get this crucial info?

How Do I Find Out About Upcoming Conjunctions?

You don’t need to do any math. The work has already been done for you by countless astronomers. You just need to know where to check the schedule.

Here are your best options:

• Astronomy Websites: Your first stop should be a high-authority source. Websites like Sky & Telescope, Astronomy Magazine, or Space.com all have “what’s up tonight” sections. They give clear, simple explanations.
• NASA: The official NASA “What’s Up” page is fantastic. It’s reliable, it’s written for everyone, and it often has helpful videos and sky charts.
• Stellarium-Web: This is a free, powerful, web-based planetarium. You can plug in your location, set the date and time, and see exactly what the sky will look like. You can even fast-forward time to watch the planets move.
• Mobile Apps: This is, in my opinion, the easiest and most practical tool. We’ll get to that in a second.

Check these sources at the beginning of each month. I make a habit of checking Sky & Telescope on the 1st. If I see a cool conjunction coming up, I put it right in my calendar.

Does the Time of Night Really Matter?

Yes. It’s just as important as the date.

Most conjunctions happen in one of two “windows.” Why? Because the planets, just like the Sun and Moon, follow a specific path across our sky. That path is called the ecliptic. This path is often very low to the horizon right after sunset or right before sunrise.

The Evening Show (Just After Sunset): If you read a conjunction is “visible in the evening,” you need to be ready right as the Sun goes down. The sky will still be in that deep, twilight blue. The planets will be in the western or southwestern sky, following the Sun. The catch? They’re also about to set. You usually only have an hour or two. You have a limited window.

The Morning Show (Just Before Sunrise): This one’s for the dedicated, but the reward is immense. If an event is “visible in the morning,” you’ll be looking to the eastern or southeastern sky before the Sun rises. The sky will slowly lighten, and the planets will climb higher, but they’ll eventually get washed out by the daylight.

Some conjunctions (especially with Mars, Jupiter, or Saturn) can happen high in the sky in the middle of the night. But for beginners, the most dramatic and easiest-to-find events are those beautiful pairings in the twilight.

The Big Question: Where Do I Actually Go to See One?

This is the core of it all. You’ve got the date. You’ve got the time. Now, where do you physically need to be?

Finding the right location is the single most important factor. It will make or break your experience. Your goal is to find a spot that balances two things: darkness and visibility.

Does My Backyard Work, or Do I Need to Drive for Miles?

This is the great “it depends.”

For a conjunction of two really bright planets—like Venus and Jupiter—your backyard might be perfectly fine. Seriously. Those two are the brightest things in the night sky after the Moon. They can punch right through a lot of city light pollution. You can stand on your driveway, look in the right direction, and see them.

But for a conjunction involving a dimmer planet, like Saturn or (especially) Mars, that light pollution is going to wash them out.

And this brings us to the real problem with your backyard: trees and houses.

Most conjunctions, especially those morning/evening ones, happen low to the horizon. This is the critical part. If you’re in a normal neighborhood, your view of the western and eastern horizons is probably blocked. Blocked by your neighbor’s roof. Blocked by a line of trees. Blocked by that new apartment building.

So, while you might see it from your backyard, your chances improve dramatically if you find a spot with a wide-open view.

What’s the “Horizon,” and Why Is It So Important?

When astronomers say “you need a clear horizon,” they mean you need a low, flat, unobstructed view in the direction of the event.

Think about where the Sun sets. That’s your western horizon. Now, imagine a perfectly flat line across it, like you’d see if you were looking out over the ocean. That is a perfect horizon.

You need to find the next best thing.

• A Large Park or Field: This is a great option. Walk to the middle of a big soccer field. This usually gives you enough space to get away from the direct glare of streetlights and puts those horizon-blocking trees farther away.
• The Top of a Hill: This is my personal favorite. Gaining even a little bit of elevation can lift you above the local trees and buildings. It gives you a commanding view. Look for a scenic overlook or a public high point.
• A Lake or Large Body of Water: Looking out over water provides a naturally flat and dark horizon. A public beach or a boat launch (if it’s accessible at night) can be a perfect spot.

Finding your local “horizon spot” is a key skill for any amateur stargazer.

How Can I Beat This Frustrating Light Pollution?

Light pollution is the number one enemy. It’s that hazy, orange-brown glow that hangs over cities. It’s caused by millions of unshielded streetlights, car headlights, and office buildings. It blots out all but the brightest stars and planets.

So, how do you fight it?

The most effective solution is simple: drive.

Getting just 20 to 30 minutes away from a city center can make a staggering difference. An hour’s drive can take you to skies you just wouldn’t believe are possible. Use a resource like a Dark Sky Map (just search that term) to find a “dark sky site” or a green/blue/grey zone near you.

But what if you’re stuck in the city? All is not lost.

1. Seek Local Darkness: Like I said, a large city park is your best bet. The farther you get from the direct glare of a streetlight, the better.
2. Block the Glare: Use a building or a dense stand of trees to physically block the worst of the downtown light dome. Put it at your back.
3. Turn Off Your Own Lights: This is huge. Go into your backyard and kill your porch light, your patio lights, any landscape lights. Ask your immediate neighbors to do the same, if you’re friendly. You’ll be amazed at what appears once your immediate area is dark.

Finding Your Target: Where in the Sky Should I Be Looking?

You’ve made it. You’re at your spot. It’s the right date and time. The sky is dark.

Now… where is it?

You’re looking for one or two “stars” that are noticeably, brilliantly bright. But the sky is big. If you’re new, it can be disorienting. You need a guidepost.

How Do I Use the Sun and Moon as My Guides?

These are your two best friends.

The Sun: If you’re looking for an evening conjunction (in the west), make a mental note of exactly where the Sun set. The planets will be on that same general path, the ecliptic. They’ll be somewhere in that glowing patch of sky the Sun left behind.

The Moon: If the Moon is visible, it’s an even better guide. The Moon also follows that ecliptic path. Planets are always found near the Moon’s path. In fact, sometimes the Moon itself gets in on the action, joining a conjunction. When you see the Moon, a bright planet, and another bright planet all in a neat line or a tight triangle… that’s the money shot. You’ve found it.

What Constellation Will the Conjunction Be In?

This is the next level. Astronomy news will often say something like, “The conjunction of Jupiter and Mars will be in the constellation Taurus.”

For a beginner, that sounds like gibberish. How are you supposed to find Taurus?

This is where you must embrace a little modern tech. Don’t try to find it with an old-fashioned paper star chart. Not at first. It’s frustrating. You’ll get cold and go inside.

Instead, use your phone.

Will My Phone App Really Point Me in the Right Direction?

Yes. One hundred percent. Modern augmented-reality (AR) sky apps are a complete game-changer. They are the single best tool for a beginner.

Here’s what you do:

1. Download a Sky App: Go to your phone’s app store. Get SkyView, Stellarium Mobile, or Star Walk. Many have great free versions.
2. Give It Permissions: It’ll ask for your location (so it knows your sky) and permission to use your phone’s compass. Say yes.
3. Just Point: Open the app and hold your phone up to the sky.

That’s it. The app will show you exactly what you’re looking at. It will label the stars, the constellations, and—most importantly—the planets. If you hold it up to that bright “star” you’re curious about, the app will label it: “Jupiter.”

Better yet, use its search function. Type in “Jupiter.” An arrow will pop up on your screen, directing you exactly where to point your phone (and your eyes). It takes all the guesswork out of the equation. You’ll be looking at the right thing in seconds.

What Gear Do I Need? (Or Do I Need Any at All?)

This is the best part. Planetary conjunctions are one of the most accessible events in the sky.

Is Seeing a Conjunction Good with Just My Naked Eyes?

It’s not just “good.” It’s fantastic.

Most conjunctions, especially those with Venus, Jupiter, or a bright crescent Moon, are absolutely stunning with no equipment at all. You can clearly see the two points of light. You can notice their different colors (Venus is a brilliant, silvery-white; Mars is a distinct reddish-orange; Jupiter is a steady, bright cream color). You can appreciate how close they are.

For thousands of years, this was the only way humanity watched these events. So, if all you have is your own two eyes and a clear night, you have everything you need.

Never let a lack of gear stop you from going out to look.

What Will Binoculars Really Show Me?

If you want to upgrade your experience for under $100, a simple pair of binoculars is the single best investment you can make.

Don’t buy a cheap, wobbly telescope. Buy a decent pair of binoculars, something like a 7×50 or 10×50. (The first number is magnification, the second is the lens size).

When you point binoculars at a conjunction, the magic happens.

• They Resolve the “Stars”: The planets will stop being points of light and become tiny, distinct disks. You’ll see them as tiny worlds.
• They Reveal Moons: This is the big one. If Jupiter is involved, a steady hand and decent binoculars will almost always reveal its four largest “Galilean” moons—Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. You’ll see them as tiny pinpricks of light in a perfect, straight line on either side of the planet. It’s the same sight that got Galileo in so much trouble. It will change your perspective on the solar system forever.
• They Brighten Dimmer Objects: That dim, reddish “star” you think is Mars? Binoculars will confirm it. The color will pop and it’ll look much brighter.

When Should I Bother Hauling Out a Telescope?

A telescope is the next step up. And it’s a big one. A good telescope on a sturdy mount will, of course, show you even more.

With a scope, you won’t just see Jupiter’s moons; you’ll see the cloud bands on Jupiter itself. You won’t just see a “disk” for Saturn; you will, with enough magnification, resolve its rings. You’ll see the phases of Venus, which looks like a tiny crescent Moon.

But a telescope also adds complexity. You have to align it. You have to focus it. You have to track the planets, which will drift out of view quickly because the Earth is rotating.

My advice? Start with your eyes. Graduate to binoculars. Only when you are truly, deeply hooked should you start shopping for a telescope.

A Quick Warning: How Do I Stay Safe While Stargazing?

Safety is simple, but it’s not optional. There are two things to know: eye safety and personal safety.

The Most Important Rule: What About the Sun?

I’m going to say this again. It is the most important rule in all of astronomy.

NEVER, EVER POINT BINOCULARS OR A TELESCOPE AT OR NEAR THE SUN.

Don’t do it. Don’t even think about it. The focused sunlight will travel through the lenses and will instantly and permanently destroy your retina. You will be blinded. There are no second chances.

This is especially critical for those twilight conjunctions. If the Sun has not fully set below the horizon, do not take out your binoculars. It is not worth the risk. Wait. Wait until the Sun is completely gone and the sky is a deep blue. Only then should you use any optical aid.

Your naked eyes are fine. You’ll instinctively squint and look away. But binoculars and telescopes concentrate that deadly light.

Aren’t You Supposed to Let Your Eyes “Dark Adapt?”

Yes! This is the other key to seeing more. Your eyes take about 20-30 minutes to fully adjust to the darkness. When they do, your pupils are wide open. You’ll be able to see thousands more stars and the faint details of dimmer planets.

But the second you look at a bright white light—like your phone’s home screen—that dark adaptation is ruined. It vanishes in a split second. You have to start the 20-minute timer all over again.

So, how do you use your “magic” phone app?

Simple: Use “Night Mode.”

Almost every good sky app has a “night mode” or “red light” setting. This turns the entire screen a dim red. Red light is special. It doesn’t ruin your night vision. You can look at your red-light app and then look back up at the sky without losing your dark adaptation. If you’re using a regular flashlight, you can tape a piece of red plastic or even a red balloon over the end. It works just as well.

How Can I Take a Picture of This Thing?

You’re watching this incredible sight. Your first instinct is, “I have to get a picture of this.”

The great news is that you probably can.

Can I Really Get a Good Shot with Just My Smartphone?

You absolutely can. But don’t just hold it up and snap a picture. The camera’s “auto” mode will get confused by the dark. You’ll get a blurry, grainy mess.

You need to take control.

1. Get a Tripod: You must keep the phone perfectly still. A small, cheap smartphone tripod is essential.
2. Use Pro Mode: Open your phone’s camera app. Look for a “Pro,” “Manual,” or “Night” mode. This lets you control the settings.
3. Set Your Focus: Tap on the brightest planet on your screen. A slider for “manual focus” (often a little mountain icon) should appear. Slide it all the way to “infinity” (the mountain). This makes distant objects sharp.
4. Set Your ISO: This is light sensitivity. Set it low, like 400 or 800, to avoid a grainy picture.
5. Set Your Shutter Speed: This is the key. You need to leave the shutter open. Start with a 2-second shutter speed. Take a shot. Too dark? Try 4 seconds. Too bright? Try 1 second. 6T. Use a Timer: Use the camera’s 3-second timer. This way, when you tap the button, the phone has time to stop wiggling before the picture is actually taken.

You will be amazed at what your phone can capture.

What’s the Next Step Up for Photography?

If you have a “real” camera, like a DSLR or a mirrorless camera, the same rules apply, but with more power.

Put the camera on a sturdy tripod. Use a lens somewhere in the 50mm to 200mm range. Set your aperture (f-stop) as low as it will go (e.g., f/2.8 or f/4). Set your ISO to 800 or 1600. Then, experiment with your shutter speed. Start around 1 or 2 seconds.

This setup will capture the planets beautifully, along with the colors of the twilight and maybe even some surrounding stars.

What’s the Difference Between a Conjunction, an Alignment, and an Occultation?

You’ll hear these terms thrown around. It’s easy to get them mixed up. Let’s set the record straight.

Wait, So “Alignment” Isn’t the Right Word?

Not really, no. “Alignment” is a very vague, non-technical term. While the planets are “lining up” from our point of view, “conjunction” is the specific astronomical term for when two or more bodies share the same right ascension (the celestial version of longitude).

When people talk about a “grand alignment” of five planets, they usually just mean all five are visible in the same part of the sky at the same time. For example, all strung out in a line after sunset. It’s a beautiful sight, but each planet isn’t necessarily in a “conjunction” with another.

“Conjunction” specifically refers to the close pairing of two (or sometimes three) objects.

What Happens When One Planet Hides Another?

This is the rarest and coolest event of all!

When one celestial body passes directly in front of another from our point of view, it’s called an occultation.

Most of the time, conjunctions are “near misses.” The planets get close, but one passes a little above or below the other. But on very rare occasions, their paths cross exactly. A planet can “occult” a distant star, making it blink out for a few minutes. The Moon (which is huge in our sky) frequently occults stars and even planets.

And rarest of all, one planet can occult another planet. This is an event many amateur astronomers will go their whole lives without seeing. But it’s all part of the same grand, cosmic dance.

How Do I Make This a Fun Night for Friends or Family?

A planetary conjunction is the perfect excuse to get friends or kids outside and away from their screens. It’s a shared event. Sharing the “Wow!” moment is half the fun.

Getting Kids Excited About Stargazing (Without Them Getting Bored)

Kids have short attention spans. Telling them to stand in a dark, cold field and “be quiet” is a recipe for disaster. You have to make it an adventure.

• Tell the Story: Don’t just say, “We’re going to see Jupiter.” Say, “We’re going to see the biggest planet in the whole solar system! It’s a giant ball of gas with storms bigger than the entire Earth, and we’re going to see its moons!”
• Arm Them with Binoculars: Get a cheap pair of kids’ binoculars. Letting them have “their own” gear is huge.
• Give Them the “Magic” App: Let them be the one to hold the phone and “find” the planet with the AR app. It turns it into a treasure hunt.
• Don’t Stay Too Long: For a conjunction, the “wow” moment is immediate. Plan for 30-45 minutes, tops. Get in, see the amazing sight, and then go home for hot chocolate. You want to leave them wanting more, not complaining about being cold.

What Snacks Are “Stargazing Approved?”

This sounds silly, but it’s part of the fun. And it’s practical.

You want easy-to-eat, low-mess, warm snacks.

• Hot Chocolate in a Thermos: This is the undefeated champion of stargazing. It’s warm, it’s sweet, and it keeps everyone happy.
• Cookies or Brownies: Easy to hand out in the dark.
• Avoid Anything “Crumbly” or “Sticky”: You’re in the dark. You don’t want to be cleaning up a granola bar explosion or dealing with sticky marshmallow fingers in the cold.

It’s about making the entire event an experience. It’s not just a science lesson; it’s a memory.

The universe is constantly putting on a show. These conjunctions are the front-row tickets, and they’re free for everyone. You now have the full playbook. You know what they are, why they’re special, and how to find them.

So, check the schedule. Find your spot. Grab a thermos of hot chocolate and a pair of binoculars. All you have to do is go outside and look up.

FAQ – Where to See a Planetary Conjunction