On June 19, 2026, skywatchers across parts of Europe, Africa, and the Americas will witness a rare daytime occultation of Venus by the Moon. The event occurs when the Moon passes directly in front of Venus, temporarily hiding the planet from view. According to NASA and astronomical almanacs, the occultation will be visible in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on location.
The Moon will be a thin crescent, about 5% illuminated, making Venus—shining at magnitude -4.5—easily visible even in daylight. Observers in western Europe and northwest Africa will see the occultation around sunset, while those in eastern North America and South America can view it in the late afternoon. Exact times vary by city; for example, in London, the occultation begins at 18:45 UTC, while in New York, it starts at 14:30 UTC.
This is the first daytime occultation of Venus visible from these regions since 2020. Venus is currently in its evening apparition, setting after the Sun. The Moon will cover Venus for about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the observer's location. No special equipment is needed, but binoculars or a small telescope will enhance the view.
After the occultation, Venus will reappear from behind the Moon's dark limb, creating a striking sight. The next similar event will occur in 2028, but will be visible only from parts of Asia and Australia. For accurate local timings, consult resources like timeanddate.com or the International Occultation Timing Association.
