Starwatch: A young crescent moon journeys past Venus and Jupiter
A young crescent moon will pass by Venus and Jupiter in the western sky after sunset this week. The moon, just 2.4 days old, will be visible alongside the bright Venus and the dimmer Jupiter. Observers in the southern hemisphere will have a better view due to the ecliptic's steep angle from the horizon.
- ▪The moon will be only 2.4 days old and 6.2% illuminated.
- ▪Venus will be bright and easily visible during twilight.
- ▪Jupiter will be higher in the sky but dimmer than Venus.
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Illustration: Guardian GraphicsView image in fullscreen Illustration: Guardian GraphicsStarwatchAstronomyStarwatch: A young crescent moon journeys past Venus and JupiterThe slim arc of a two-day-old moon will pass Venus shining brightlyStuart ClarkMon 18 May 2026 01.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleKeep an eye on the western sky after sunset this week to watch a beautiful sequence unfold over several evenings. A young crescent moon moves first past Venus and then Jupiter, creating a chance to track the moon’s movement through its orbit around the Earth.The chart shows the view on 18 May looking west from London at 22.00. The moon will be just 2.4 days old, and just 6.2% of its visible surface will be illuminated.
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