A Celestial Show You Won't Want to Miss!

Mark your calendars for August 26, when the western horizon will be graced by the ethereal sight of a slender crescent moon and the fiery glow of Mars! Positioned amid the twinkling stars of the Virgo constellation, this dazzling duo is set to capture the imagination.

Where and When to Look

As the sun sets, look just 10 degrees above the horizon to spot Mars, with the crescent moon illuminating the evening sky just 6 degrees to its lower left. For reference, if you stretch out your clenched fist at arm's length, it covers about 10 degrees in the sky, while the span of your three longest fingers measures roughly 5 degrees.

Find the Best Spot!

Ensure you find a clear vantage point to enjoy this breathtaking scene before both celestial bodies dip below the skyline—just over an hour after sunset. Don’t let this magical moment slip away!

Enhance Your Viewing Experience

If you have a pair of 10x50 binoculars handy, you can get an even better view of the moon's surface. Look for Mare Crisium, the ancient lava plain that appears as a dark oval near the moon’s equator, with Mare Fecunditatis nestled just below.

Stars to Spot!

Adding to the beauty, the brightest star in Virgo, Spica, will twinkle elegantly to the upper left of the moon, while the dimmer star Porrima will sparkle about 3 degrees to Mars' upper right—making for a truly enchanting astronomical tableau.

What’s Next for the Moon?

On the following evening, the crescent moon will continue its dance, moving away from Mars and past Spica, getting ready for a thrilling encounter with the red supergiant star Antares in Scorpius on August 31—just before the first quarter moon phase!

Get Ready to Stargaze!

For those eager to delve deeper into astronomy, keep an eye out for great telescope deals in 2025, and photographers should check out our comprehensive guide on how to capture the moon’s stunning features with a DSLR camera.