NASA shared new details about its Moon Base strategy, outlining plans to establish a long-term human presence near the Moon’s south pole. The agency unveiled new lunar rover contracts, upcoming cargo missions, and future infrastructure projects designed to support sustained operations on the lunar surface. NASA officials said the initiative represents a shift from simply visiting the Moon to building permanent systems for long-term lunar exploration.
People in the U.S. will have a unique opportunity to see an upcoming celestial event — the moon and Venus planetary conjunction — on Friday night.
The Venus and moon conjunction will occur shortly after sunset, and it will be visible to the naked eye. You may also be able to see the phenomenon with binoculars.
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The Moon and Venus, center, are seen in conjunction above the Washington Monument, Monday, May 18, 2026, as viewed from the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters Building in Washington.
(NASA/Bill Ingalls)
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For best viewing, look above the western horizon shortly after sunset. The planets will dip below the horizon about two hours after sunset.
ISTANBUL, TURKIYE – JUNE 17: Crescent moon and the planet Venus are seen together during night sky in Istanbul, Turkiye on June 17, 2026.
(Ali Atmaca/Anadolu / Getty Images)
The moon and Venus conjunction occurs when the planets appear very close to each other from our perspective on Earth.
The planets seem nearly aligned, but are actually separated by millions of miles in space, according to NASA.
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A Venus and moon conjunction recently happened on May 18.
Cloud coverage in the U.S. tomorrow night.
(FOX Weather)
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Locations such as Miami, Denver and Los Angeles will have the best chances of viewing the event with little cloud coverage. If you’re in New York or Chicago, you’ll have a harder time seeing the phenomenon with overcast skies in the forecast.
Be sure to set up early to be prepared for the celestial event and pick the best locations with the least cloud coverage for the ideal viewing experience.
