Skywatchers will be treated to a striking Jupiter and Venus conjunction tonight, as the two brightest planets appear to meet in the sky.

Across much of Australia’s east coast, Jupiter and Venus will appear low in the sky as the sun sets. Here's how you can catch it (and no, you won't need a telescope).

What is the Jupiter and Venus conjunction?

A conjunction occurs when two planet appear close together from Earth’s perspective. In this case, Venus and Jupiter — the two brightest planets visible to the naked eye — will align so closely that they actually seem to almost touch.

When to see the Jupiter and Venus conjunction in Australia

For the best view of the Jupiter and Venus conjunction in Australia, timing and location are key.

The best visibility will happen 30 to 60 minutes after sunset on Tuesday, June 9, when the sky is dark enough for the planets to stand out but still light enough to catch them above the horizon.

Approximate viewing times across Australia are:

• Sydney: around 5:00–5:45pm
• Melbourne: around 5:15–6:00pm
• Brisbane: around 5:00–5:40pm
• Adelaide: around 5:30–6:10pm
• Perth: around 5:45–6:30pm
• Hobart: around 5:10–5:50pm

You can see it with the naked eye

The conjunction is easily visible without a telescope or other special equipment

To maximise visibility, choose a location with a clear, unobstructed view (beaches, headlands, rooftops, etc.) and avoid tall buildings or heavy light pollution in your surroundings where possible.

Venus will be the easiest to spot, because it appears almost impossibly bright, and Jupiter should be positioned close by, making it hard to miss.

Mercury will also be nearby – but harder to see

Mercury will also be present in the evening sky during the conjunction, but from Australia, it will be significantly harder to spot.

It will be faint and brief, and will requiring an extremely clear western horizon and ideal conditions to see it.

What the Jupiter Venus conjunction symbolises in astrology

In astrological interpretation, a Jupiter and Venus alignment is associated with themes of expansion and attraction.

Jupiter is linked with growth, opportunity and abundance, while Venus represents beauty, connection and desire. When the two meet, it is often read as a moment where things feel more open and aligned, and you might even detect a sense of magnetism in the air. Here's hoping.

Feature image by Mishal Ibrahim, via Unsplash.