July 2026: What's in the sky this month? Venus and Jupiter are visible in the evening, plus a conjunction of Mars and Uranus before dawn

July 2026 brings a mix of planetary delights for both evening and morning observers. In the early part of the month, Venus and Jupiter shine together in the west after sunset, but Jupiter quickly descends toward the horizon. The predawn hours offer a parade of planets, including Saturn, Neptune, and a rare conjunction between Mars and Uranus. Here's your guide to the best celestial events this month.

Evening Sky: Venus and Jupiter

For the first few days of July, look to the western sky shortly after sunset to spot two bright planets: Venus and Jupiter. Venus, the brighter of the two, appears lower in the sky, while Jupiter sits above it. They are separated by about 8° on July 1, but Jupiter sinks toward the sunset glow each evening. By mid-July, Jupiter is lost in the twilight, while Venus remains visible for several more weeks. Use binoculars to catch Jupiter's four Galilean moons before it disappears.

Morning Sky: Saturn and Neptune

Saturn rises earlier each night in July, making it well placed in the morning sky. Around 2 a.m. local time, it is high in the south, offering excellent views through a telescope. Its rings are tilted at a favorable angle this year. Saturn lies in the constellation Pisces, with the fainter Neptune just a few degrees west. On the morning of July 15, Neptune is within 1° of Saturn—a great chance to spot the distant planet with binoculars or a small scope.

Dawn Conjunction: Mars Meets Uranus

The highlight of July 2026 occurs before dawn on July 10, when Mars and Uranus appear only 0.2° apart in the eastern sky. Mars, with its distinct reddish hue, serves as a guidepost for Uranus, which is barely visible to the naked eye under dark skies. Use binoculars or a telescope to see both planets in the same field of view. The pair rises around 3 a.m. local time and is best observed in the hour before dawn. This conjunction repeats only every few years.

Other Events

• July 4: The Moon passes 3° south of Venus in the evening, forming a pretty trio with Jupiter.
• July 20: The Moon occults Saturn for parts of South America and the Atlantic. Check local timings.
• July 28: The Delta Aquariid meteor shower peaks, producing up to 20 meteors per hour under a dark sky. The Moon is a thin crescent, offering good viewing conditions.

Viewing Tips

For evening planets, find a location with a clear western horizon and low light pollution. For morning observations, a steady chair and warm clothing are essential. A pair of 10×50 binoculars will enhance most planetary views. Use a star chart or app to pinpoint Neptune and Uranus.

July 2026 promises plenty of celestial action. Whether you're drawn to the brilliant Venus-Jupiter pairing in twilight or the rare Mars-Uranus coupling before dawn, there's something for every sky watcher.