The Moon and Jupiter will form a celestial quadrilateral with the stars Castor and Pollux visible across Italy on the evening of April 22, 2026, beginning shortly after sunset.
How the celestial alignment will appear in Italian skies
The conjunction between the Moon and Jupiter will start around 20:20 Rome time, appearing in the western sky after sunset and remaining visible until approximately 02:00 the following day. Jupiter will appear as a bright point of light to the left of the lunar crescent, which will be near its first quarter phase. The proximity of Castor and Pollux from the Gemini constellation will complete a rare quadrilateral formation in the firmament, according to the Italian Amateur Astronomers Union (UAI).
Why cloud cover may hinder observation for many viewers
Despite the event’s visibility to the naked eye, widespread cloudiness across the Italian peninsula could obstruct the view for numerous observers, as noted by local astronomical associations. The UAI emphasized that this is the fourth and penultimate celestial conjunction of the month, with only the Venus-Pleiades meeting remaining on April 23. Observers are advised to wait until the Sun has fully set before looking westward to avoid eye damage from direct solar exposure.
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When and where to view the event based on local sunset times
Observation times vary by location due to differing sunset schedules: around 19:40 in Bari, 19:50 in Naples and Palermo, 20:00 in Rome, just before 20:10 in Milan, and after 20:20 in Turin. The event will be most prominent once full darkness sets in, with Jupiter standing out as the fourth-brightest object in the night sky after the Sun, Moon, and Venus. No optical aid is required to witness the alignment, though clear skies are essential for optimal viewing.
Is special equipment needed to see the Moon-Jupiter conjunction?
No, the conjunction is visible to the naked eye under clear conditions, as Jupiter and the Moon are bright enough to be seen without telescopes or binoculars.
What phase will the Moon be in during the event?
The Moon will be in a waxing crescent phase, approaching first quarter, which occurs on April 24 at 04:32 according to the UAI.
