A Celestial Spectacle Awaits You!

This Saturday night, prepare your telescopes and binoculars for a breathtaking celestial display as a crescent moon pairs beautifully with Antares, the dazzling red supergiant star! Known as the brightest star in the famed constellation Scorpius, Antares glows in a striking reddish hue, earning it the moniker "rival of Mars." Get ready to experience this cosmic event like never before!

When and Where to Catch the Action

Mark your calendars for August 30th! Step outside about 45 minutes post-sunset and face the southwest horizon. If the sky is clear, the moon will be the brightest object illuminating this part of the heavens. You’ll spot Antares just below and a tad to the right of the moon as darkness falls.

What Can You Expect to See?

Antares will twinkle as a brilliant point of red light, while the moon presents a beautiful crescent illuminated along its terminator - the line that separates day from night. This mesmerizing sight is not just a visual treat; it’s a glimpse into the vastness of space with Antares shining at a staggering distance of 555 light-years away, making it one of the largest stars observable without a telescope. In darker skies, you'll also catch the outline of the Scorpius constellation!

Insider Tips for the Best Experience

To make the most of this cosmic rendezvous, be sure to have your binoculars handy! A little magnification will enhance your view, especially around the terminator where you can witness an awe-inspiring landscape filled with craters on the moon's surface.

What Else is Happening in the Night Sky?

If you're an early bird, don’t miss the five-planet spectacle occurring an hour before sunrise! Jupiter and Venus will shine prominently, along with Saturn in the south. While Neptune and Uranus are included in this planetary parade, they're not visible to the naked eye.

Plan Your Skywatching!

For precise timings of these celestial events, consider using a sunrise and sunset calculator, the Stellarium Web for an interactive sky chart, or "Night Sky Tonight" to identify visible planets in your location. Wishing you clear skies and unforgettable starry nights!