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Mercury is farthest from the sunset June 15
earthsky.org
Mercury is the smallest and fastest planet in our solar system. It is often hard to see because it stays close to the sun in our sky. But there are special times each year when it looks farthest from the sun's bright light. This makes it easier to find. One of these good times is coming in June 2026.
In late May and June 2026, you can look for Mercury. Look low in the western sky just after the sun sets. It will look like a bright, steady point of light. On June 15, 2026, Mercury will reach its "greatest eastern elongation." This means it will be at its farthest distance from the sun in the evening sky. It will be about 25 degrees away. For reference, your fist held at arm's length covers about 10 degrees of the sky.
At this time, Mercury will be shining brightly. You will need a clear view of the western horizon. Look shortly after the sun sets. Be careful not to confuse Mercury with Venus. Venus is a much brighter planet and will also be in the same part of the sky.
Mercury orbits the sun very quickly. It goes around the sun every 88 Earth days. Because its orbit is inside Earth's orbit, we only see it just after sunset or before sunrise. After June 15, Mercury will seem to move closer to the sun each evening. It will become harder to see. On July 13, it will pass between Earth and the sun. This event is called an "inferior conjunction."
For the best chance to see it in June, find a spot with a very low, clear western view. Binoculars can help you find it in the fading light. On the evening of June 16, look for the thin crescent moon near Mercury. The moon can be a helpful guide.
Not every "greatest elongation" of Mercury is equally good for viewing. The planet can be between 18 and 28 degrees from the sun. A 25-degree elongation, like the one in June 2026, is very good.
The viewing quality also depends on the season. In spring, the path of the planets meets the evening horizon at a steep angle. This pushes Mercury higher into a darker sky after sunset. This makes spring evening elongations the best. The June 2026 event is a spring elongation for the Northern Hemisphere. It offers a very good view. For the Southern Hemisphere, the best evening view for the year will come later, in October.
Mercury goes through a cycle of events as seen from Earth. Here are some key dates for 2026:
An "inferior conjunction" is when Mercury passes between Earth and the sun. A "superior conjunction" is when it passes behind the sun from our point of view.
In early June, around the 8th and 9th, skywatchers will get an extra treat. Mercury will be joined in the western sky by the bright planets Venus and Jupiter. The three worlds will be close together. They will fit within the view of most binoculars. This will make for a spectacular sight.
The diagram below shows how Mercury's distance from the sun changes during different elongations throughout the year. The June 2026 elongation is good for people in the Northern Hemisphere.
Bottom line: Mark your calendar for mid-June 2026. Around June 15, Mercury will be at its best evening position for the year. Find a clear western horizon after sunset. You might catch a glimpse of this elusive, speedy world before it disappears into the sun's glow.