A triple conjunction in late May

From May 23rd to the 27th there will be a triple conjunction of Venus, Jupiter and Mercury in the evening sky, around 20-22 degrees Gemini, with a beautiful triangle formed on May 26th.

This will be a rare opportunity to spot elusive Mercury, normally hidden by its proximity to the Sun.

Astrologically, such a conjunction bodes well for communication, business, talks and seminars, teaching, writing and networking. A great time for a party too!
GB

To see the conjunction requires a good view of the horizon (and lack of low cloud in the west). Venus will appear first and you should then be able to see the other two close by, from about 9:45 on. Binoculars will help.

Although Jupiter will cease to be visible at the end of May (becoming 'under the sunbeams') it will continue to be a good time to spot Mercury up to the middle of June. Just find Venus visibly bright and then look up about 45° to the left. The optimum date is round about 8th. June.

Mercury, Venus and the Sun have appeared to overtake Jupiter very quickly - it's because of the perspective, Jupiter being so much farther away. Distances at beginning of June : Mercury 98m miles, Venus 151m miles, Jupiter 566m miles. Mercury is dimmer because it is a lot smaller, Venus especially bright because it is covered with pale clouds which coupled with its closeness to the Sun make it very reflective of light ("high albedo"). Jupiter can at times be almost as bright as Venus despite its distance, because it is so large.
KL