Buffalo skywatchers prepare for rare Venus–Jupiter conjunction on June 9

Western New Yorkers will have a chance to witness one of the most beautiful astronomical events of 2026 on the evening of June 9, when Venus and Jupiter appear extraordinarily close together in the twilight sky.

Buffalo skywatchers prepare for rare Venus–Jupiter conjunction on June 9. Western New Yorkers will have a chance to witness one of the most beautiful astronomical events of 2026 on the evening of June 9, when Venus and Jupiter appear extraordinarily close together in the twilight sky. The rare planetary conjunction will place the two brightest planets visible from Earth within roughly 1.5 degrees of each other — close enough to fit comfortably inside a pair of binoculars. Astronomers say the event will be visible worldwide, but Buffalo’s long June evenings and lakefront horizons could provide ideal viewing conditions for local skywatchers. Observers should look toward the west-northwest sky approximately 30 to 45 minutes after sunset. In Buffalo, sunset on June 9 occurs around 8:50 p.m., with the best viewing window expected between rough...