The night sky this week through June 26th, 2026, summer is beginning to make its presence known. The evenings are warm, the days are long, and some of the most familiar sights of summer are starting to take center stage. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or simply enjoy a few quiet moments outdoors after sunset, there is plenty to see this week.
🌙 Evening Highlights
Mercury makes a brief appearance in the evening sky this week. About an hour after sunset, look low in the western sky just above the horizon. It won’t stay visible for long, so you’ll need a clear western view to spot it. On Monday, Mercury sits just to the upper left of the slender crescent Moon. By Friday, Mercury will be west of Jupiter as it continues to grow dimmer each night and slowly fades from view over the coming weeks.
Right after sunset, Venus is stealing the show. It shines so brilliantly that it’s often the first object you’ll notice as twilight begins to fade. If you’re looking toward the west, it’s nearly impossible to miss.
Venus has now passed Jupiter as it climbs higher in the sky. Because Venus is much closer to Earth and moves more quickly along its orbit, you can actually notice the changing positions of these two planets from week to week.
Jupiter remains visible after sunset before finally setting before midnight. Even a small pair of binoculars can make the giant planet more interesting. Under steady skies, you may be able to spot its four largest moons lined up beside it like tiny stars.
🌅 Early Morning Sky
If you’re up before sunrise, there is still plenty happening overhead.
Saturn is becoming easier to find in the southeastern sky before dawn. Its steady golden glow helps it stand out once you know where to look, and it is currently the brightest object in that part of the sky.
Mars is nearby, sitting lower and a bit to the left of Saturn. The Red Planet rises about an hour before sunrise and adds a splash of color to the morning sky.
✨ Constellations of the Week
One of the most recognizable constellations of summer, the constellation Scorpius resembles a giant scorpion stretching across the southeastern sky. Its bright red star, Antares, is often called the “Heart of the Scorpion” and rivals Mars in color. Look toward the southeast during the evening hours to find this magnificent constellation rising higher each night.
For skywatchers across the Northern Hemisphere, Scorpius has long been a sign that summer has arrived. When its curved tail and glowing red heart appear on warm evenings, the season is officially underway.
Nearby, Sagittarius rises in the southeast. In mythology, Sagittarius represents a centaur armed with a bow and arrow aimed toward Antares. Modern observers often find it easier to see the constellation’s famous “Teapot” shape. If you can spot the teapot, you’re looking toward one of the richest regions of the Milky Way, packed with star clusters and nebulae.
As the evening grows darker, the Milky Way starts becoming more noticeable in the southeastern sky. If you can get away from city lights, look for a faint glowing band stretching across the sky. This hazy glow is actually the combined light of billions of distant stars in our galaxy.
The brightest and richest section of the Milky Way lies near Sagittarius, where we are looking toward the center of our galaxy some 26,000 light-years away.
If you get a clear evening this week, take a few minutes to step outside and look up. The night sky is changing quickly now, with spring gradually giving way to summer. From bright planets to rising summer constellations, there’s something new to notice almost every night—and you never know what might catch your eye. 🌠✨