Starwatch: Venus and Jupiter to shine side-by-side at dusk

Solar system’s two brightest planets appear close together low above the western horizon after sunset this week

The two brightest planets meet this week in the western twilight sky. The chart shows the view looking west-northwest at 21:45 BST. No stars will yet be visible, but Venus and Jupiter will be brilliant against the darkening sky.

The planets will be separated by about 1.5 degrees – about the width of three full moons. They will be low to the horizon, so you will need a clear sightline in their direction. If you can find a hill, that will help too.