Look to the western horizon to catch a fleeting glimpse of the skinny crescent moon alongside the crimson glow of Mars on Aug. 26, set among the many stars of the constellation Virgo.
Mars will sit lower than 10 levels above the horizon at sundown, with the 11 %-lit waxing crescent moon hanging lower than 6 levels to its decrease left. Keep in mind, the width of your clenched fist held at arm’s size accounts for 10 levels within the evening sky, whereas the span of your index, center and ring fingers is roughly 5 levels.
You’ll want to stake out a spot with a transparent view of the western horizon to offer your self the very best likelihood of recognizing the moon and Mars collectively earlier than they slip beneath the skyline somewhat over an hour after sundown on Aug. 26.
By means of a pair of 10×50 binoculars, you will additionally be capable to spot the traditional lava plain of Mare Crisium (Latin for the Sea of Crises), which is seen as a darkish oval barely above the lunar equator, with the jap fringe of Mare Fecunditatis (the Sea of Fertility) beneath.
To finish the scene, Spica — the brightest star within the constellation Virgo — will glisten to the higher left of the moon, whereas the dimmer star Porrima will shine roughly 3 levels to the higher proper of Mars.
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By the next evening, the crescent moon can have swept away from Mars, previous Spica on a path that may see it rendezvous with the crimson supergiant star Antares within the constellation Scorpius on the evening earlier than the primary quarter moon section on Aug. 31.
Stargazers hoping to get a more in-depth view of the lunar floor ought to learn our roundup of the greatest telescope offers accessible in 2025, whereas photographers ought to try our information on methods to seize the moon’s floor.utilizing a DSLR digital camera.
Editor’s Word: If you happen to would seize a picture of the crescent moon with Mars and need to share it with Area.com’s readers, then please ship your photograph(s), feedback, identify and site to spacephotos@house.com.
