- Planétarium
Here’s a look at the planets that can be seen with the naked eye in the Montréal area during the month of July. Follow these guidelines to find out where and when to look for them.
July will offer several beautiful planetary sights, especially for patient observers. Venus will dominate the evening sky, while Jupiter quickly disappears into the Sun’s glare. During the second half of the night, attention will shift to two interesting pairs: Mars and Uranus near the Pleiades, followed by Saturn and Neptune in the morning sky.
Some planets will be visible to the naked eye, but Uranus and Neptune require binoculars or, ideally, a small telescope.
Planet visibility from the Montréal area in July 2026
Mercury – very difficult to observe
Mercury briefly joins the Venus–Jupiter pair on July 1 but is quickly lost in the glow of sunset. It reaches inferior conjunction on July 12 and will remain essentially unobservable for much of the month.
Venus and Jupiter – a beautiful pair until mid-month
Venus will be visible throughout the month from sunset in the western sky (and even a little earlier thanks to its exceptional brightness). It forms a dynamic duo with Jupiter to its right until mid-month, after which Jupiter will disappear during its solar conjunction. Jupiter will return to the morning sky next month.
Mars and Uranus – a trio with the Pleiades (M45)
Mars rises earlier each day this month (around 2 a.m.). It forms a beautiful trio with Uranus and the Pleiades open star cluster (M45). July 4 marks the closest approach between the two planets. Before July 4, Uranus is to the left of Mars; after that date it gradually moves away to the right. A small telescope will be required to observe Uranus.
Saturn and Neptune – visible until sunrise
Both planets rise shortly after midnight this month and remain visible until sunrise in the eastern sky. Neptune appears to the right of Saturn. They rise progressively earlier as the month advances. Beginning on July 13, the Mars–Uranus pair will be clearly visible to the left of the Saturn–Neptune pair.
On July 15, the Moon will be positioned almost perfectly between the two pairs around 4 a.m., before sunrise. A beautiful alignment you won’t want to miss!
A small telescope is needed to observe Neptune properly, while Saturn is easily visible to the naked eye.