Mercury, Venus, Jupiter: 3 planets visible this week

It's a good week to be a stargazer, with three planets visible in the Western sky.

Driving the news: Venus and Jupiter have been hanging out together this week in what's called a "conjunction" — when planets seem close to one another from our POV on Earth.

• They're reliable and gorgeous stargazing targets, each among the most visible planets in our night sky.

Starting Thursday night through Monday, Mercury will join them for what NASA calls a "mini parade of planets."

• The agency's advice: "Venus will be the brightest and easiest to spot with Jupiter nearby. Mercury will sit lower toward the horizon, so you will need a clear view to the west to catch it in the glow of twilight."
• A telescope or binoculars will improve your experience.

Mercury is sometimes hard to spot, especially for amateurs — so this is a good opportunity to get out and have a look at the Sun's closest companion.

• This month's "window of opportunity" to spot Mercury will last through at least June 22, Space.com reports.