Skywatchers in parts of the Americas will have a chance to see Venus vanish behind the Moon on June 17. The lunar occultation is one of several notable celestial events scheduled for the month.
The event, known as a lunar occultation, will occur when the Moon passes directly in front of Venus. Observers in the United States, Canada, Brazil and Venezuela may see Venus disappear and reappear from behind the Moon. Outside the narrow path of the occultation, many viewers will still see the Moon and Venus appear unusually close together. The phenomenon could take place during daylight hours in some locations. Venus and Jupiter will also appear close together around June 9, with Mercury joining them from June 11 to 15 to form a three-planet lineup after sunset. The June solstice on June 21 at 1:24 a.m. Pacific Time marks the start of astronomical summer in the Northern Hemisphere.