Skywatchers, get ready — one of June’s most spectacular celestial events begins tonight, just days before the summer solstice.
People around the world will have a chance to see the crescent moon align with Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury in the evening sky several nights this week.
The three-night celestial phenomenon begins Tuesday after sunset and continues through Thursday night.
During the event, the crescent moon will hang low above the western horizon, appearing near the trio of bright planets and creating a memorable sight for observers.
Experts say Mercury may be the most difficult planet to see because it is not as bright as Venus and Jupiter, and it’s lower in the sky. However, it should still be visible to the naked eye under clear conditions, without the need for binoculars or a telescope.
Because the event spans three evenings, skywatchers will have some flexibility to choose the night with the best weather conditions.
Skywatchers will be able to view all four objects about an hour after sunset.
Officials recommend finding a dark location away from city lights and streetlamps. Allow your eyes about 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness to maximize visibility.
The celestial event comes just days after the conjunction of Venus and Jupiter, which occurred between June 8 and 9, when the two planets appeared close together in the night sky.