Stargazers are counting down to an out-of-this world show by the planets Venus and Mercury. About 40 minutes after sunset on Monday (4 July), the planets will look like they’re close together, in a sight that will look like the birth of a new star. In fact, they’ll be no closer together, but the way they orbit the sun will make them appear that way from Earth. Venus will look really bright and Mercury will appear pink. They won’t line up like this again until 2070. — Agencies