June 16: Moon near Mercury, Planetary alignment

 - Conjunction time: 19:32 GMT (3:32 PM EDT)
 - Conjunction distance: 2°35′
 - Close approach time: 20:26 GMT (4:26 PM EDT)
 - Close approach distance: 2°32′

On June 16, the thin waxing crescent Moon will pass close to Mercury (mag 0.6) in the constellation Gemini. The pair will be very low above the western horizon after sunset. Around this time, a beautiful evening scene will unfold: the Moon and Mercury will be joined by Venus and Jupiter, with the three planets forming a loose line in the twilight sky. Jupiter will be closest to the Moon early on June 17, while Venus will make an even closer approach later the same day. The bright stars Castor and Pollux in Gemini will also be nearby.

On June 16, the delicate waxing crescent Moon creates an elongated triangle with Jupiter and Mercury in the evening sky.

Credit: Stellarium/USGS/Celestia/Clementine

Content excerpted from: StarWalk