
Catch Mars and the Crescent Moon Tonight: A Celestial Showdown!
2025-08-26
Author: Jia
Don't Miss This StunningAstronomical Event!
Get ready for a breathtaking spectacle in the night sky! Tonight, August 26, the dazzling red glow of Mars will be paired with the delicate crescent moon, creating an unforgettable view just after sunset.
Where to Look?
To spot this cosmic duo, turn your gaze to the western horizon. Mars will be positioned less than 10 degrees above the horizon, while the crescent moon, only 11% illuminated, will be gracefully resting less than 6 degrees to its lower left. For reference, if you extend your fist at arm's length, it measures approximately 10 degrees across the sky!
Perfect Viewing Conditions!
Ensure you find a spot with an unobstructed view of the western skyline. You'll have about an hour after sunset to witness this beautiful conjunction before they dip below the horizon.
See More With Binoculars!
For those with binoculars, there’s even more to enjoy! Look closely, and you’ll spot the ancient Mare Crisium, a dark oval (the Sea of Crises) on the moon's surface, just above the lunar equator. Below that, you can also see Mare Fecunditatis (the Sea of Fertility).
Stars Will Join the Show!
As if that weren’t enough, the brightest star in Virgo, Spica, will shimmer beautifully to the upper left of the moon, while the faint star Porrima will glisten approximately 3 degrees to the upper right of Mars.
What’s Next for the Moon?
On the following night, prepare to see the crescent moon moving away from Mars and heading towards Spica. But mark your calendars for August 31, when it will meet the majestic red supergiant star Antares in the constellation Scorpius!
Tools for Stargazers!
For passionate stargazers eager to explore the lunar surface further, we recommend checking out the latest telescope deals for 2025. Photographers can also enhance their skills by consulting our guide on capturing the moon's beauty with a DSLR camera.