Venus, Mercury conjunction 2025: Watch rare planetary event in Türkiye

Skywatchers in Türkiye will have a rare opportunity to witness a conjunction of Venus and Mercury before the two planets disappear into the sun’s glare.

The planetary event will be visible for several nights, with the best viewing opportunity on March 10 just after sunset.

When and where to see Venus, Mercury conjunction in Türkiye

Venus and Mercury, the two planets closest to the sun, will appear close together in the western sky. The rare planetary event will last for about 45 minutes after sunset, making it a short but unique astronomical event. Venus, the brighter of the two, will be easier to spot with the naked eye, while Mercury may require binoculars.

According to astronomers, the best way to observe the planetary event is to find a location with an unobstructed view of the western horizon. Clear skies will also be crucial, as the planets will be low in the sky. Elevated areas, such as hills or rooftop terraces, can offer better visibility.

Best time, locations to see Venus-Mercury conjunction in Türkiye

For the best viewing experience of this planetary event, visitors and residents in Türkiye should consider the following locations:

• Cappadocia – With its high plateaus and clear skies, this region offers a stunning setting for astronomical events. Watching the conjunction from Goreme’s viewpoints or the Uchisar Castle will provide an unobstructed view of the horizon.
• Mount Nemrut – One of the highest points in southeastern Türkiye, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers panoramic views free from city lights, making it an excellent spot for stargazing.
• Kas and Antalya coastline – The western-facing shores along Türkiye’s Mediterranean coast provide wide, open views of the sky, ideal for observing the event as the planets set over the sea.
• Istanbul’s Buyuk Camlica Hill – This popular hilltop offers a broad view of the horizon, making it a convenient urban option for those in the city.
• Lake Van region – Located in eastern Türkiye, this area has high elevations and minimal light pollution, providing excellent conditions for viewing celestial and planetary events.

Why Venus and Mercury will soon disappear from night sky

Venus has been one of the most prominent planets in the evening sky in early 2025, but it is now moving closer to the sun. It will pass in front of the sun from Earth’s perspective on March 22 and will not be visible for several weeks. Mercury, which reached its highest altitude in the evening sky on March 8, will also disappear soon.

Both planets are moving along their orbits closer to the sun, causing them to disappear from view. Venus is rapidly approaching inferior conjunction, meaning it will be positioned between Earth and the sun.

As a result, its bright presence in the evening sky will fade until it reappears in the morning sky in April. Mercury, with its much shorter orbit of 88 days, will reach its own inferior conjunction on March 24. After this, it will shift from the evening sky to the morning sky.

Skywatchers in Türkiye have only a few days left to view these planets before they vanish from the evening sky. This makes the upcoming planetary event highly significant, as it marks the final chance to view both planets in the evening before they transition to their new positions.

Other planets still visible in night sky after Venus and Mercury fade

Jupiter and Mars will remain visible in the night sky as Venus and Mercury fade from view. Jupiter, positioned in the southwestern sky, will be easy to spot, while Mars will be visible higher in the southeast.

The planetary alignment marks the end of a months-long celestial display that saw multiple planets visible at the same time. While Venus and Mercury are leaving the evening sky, stargazers in Türkiye can still look forward to other planetary events.

Upcoming planetary events to watch in Türkiye during March 2025

Besides the Venus-Mercury conjunction, several other astronomical events will be visible in March:

• March 9: Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Mars will be visible together in the evening sky, providing a brief planetary alignment before Venus and Mercury disappear.
• March 13-14: A total lunar eclipse, known as the Worm Blood Moon, will take place as the Moon turns a deep red while passing through Earth’s shadow. However, visibility from Türkiye will be limited. The eclipse will reach its peak while the Moon is below the horizon, meaning the totality phase will not be visible from the region.
• March 22: Venus will reach inferior conjunction, passing between Earth and the sun, making it invisible for several weeks before it reappears in the morning sky.
• March 24: Mercury will also reach inferior conjunction, disappearing from the night sky before returning as a morning planet later in April.

For those hoping to catch the Venus-Mercury conjunction, the key is to observe shortly after sunset on March 10. Finding a location with a clear horizon will be essential for a good view of the planetary event. This rare alignment of the inner planets provides a final glimpse before they vanish from the evening sky.