Catch Jupiter and Mercury side by side in the evening sky this week

Mercury and Jupiter will fit within the field of view of a pair of 10x50 binoculars (denoted by the yellow circle) after sunset on June 7. (Image credit: Starry Night)

The nights surrounding June 7 will see Jupiter and Mercury crowd together close to the horizon in the northwestern sky.

Stargazers in the U.S. will need a clear horizon to spot the planetary duo hanging less than 10 degrees (about a fist's width at arm's length) above the western horizon when the sun sets on June 6, with Jupiter positioned to the upper left of Mercury. The planets will only be visible for around 45 minutes after sunset, at which time they will follow our star below the horizon.