This week a narrow crescent moon will appear close to brilliant Venus in the evening twilight. The moon will be just over three days old with only 11 percent of its face illuminated. Venus will shine brightly less than one lunar diameter from the moon. Both bodies lie within the constellation Cancer. Viewers in London can see the pair low in the west at 21:45 BST on 17 June 2026. Observers need a clear western horizon. Earthshine may become visible on the moon’s unlit portion as the sky darkens. Binoculars improve the view but must not be used until after sunset to prevent eye damage. Southern hemisphere locations will offer an easier sighting because the event occurs earlier and higher in the sky.
