Get ready for a breathtaking celestial spectacle this week! A delicate crescent moon will waltz through the sky, forming a stunning triangle with the brilliant planets Jupiter and Venus, alongside the shining stars Castor and Pollux.

Mark your calendars for the early morning of August 20th, as this exquisite gathering will be visible looking east-north-east from London at 04:00 BST. You’ll witness this dazzling display in the enchanting constellation of Gemini, famously known as the Twins. Adding to the cosmic beauty, the formidable constellation of Orion, the Hunter, will be making its grand entrance from the east.

On that day, the moon will be gracefully aging at 26.3 days, showcasing a waning crescent phase with only about 11% of its surface illuminated. Among these celestial objects, Venus will steal the show as the brightest, followed by the mighty Jupiter, and then the stars Pollux and Castor.

For the night owls and stargazers, don’t miss another chance to see this magical trio! On the subsequent night, the moon will appear even more spectacular, with just 5% of its illuminated surface visible, sitting closer to the horizon.

And if you hang around until 05:00 BST on both mornings, you might just catch a glimpse of Mercury as it rises, igniting the eastern horizon with the dawn's early light.

If you're in the southern hemisphere, don't fret! You'll have the pleasure of viewing this captivating event in the north-east. So, grab your telescope or binoculars and prepare for an unforgettable astronomical encounter!