Tonight is a stargazer's delight! Just after sunset on August 27, the slender crescent moon will be gracing our skies, dancing alongside the brilliant blue star Spica. But don’t blink — this cosmic duo won’t be around for long!

As the sun dips below the horizon, head west to spot the 18%-lit crescent moon glowing a little over 15 degrees above the horizon, with Spica shining like a beacon just 6 degrees to the right. To gauge the distance, remember: the width of your middle three fingers held at arm’s length roughly represents 5 degrees!

Time is of the essence — the moon and Spica will set just over an hour and a half after sunset, with Mars joining the celestial show to their right. For the best view, find a spot with an unobstructed view of the western sky.

Spica isn't just any star; it’s a dazzling blue-white binary system, consisting of two colossal stars orbiting each other from a staggering distance of 11 million miles. Together, they shine brighter than 12,100 of our suns, although tonight, the crescent moon will outshine them from 250 light-years away.

If you have binoculars or a small telescope, take a closer look at the moon! You’ll discover several striking craters along the terminator line — the boundary where the night meets day. Keep an eye out for the ancient Mare Crisium (the Sea of Crises) and the vast Mare Fecunditatis (the Sea of Fertility). These features stand out beautifully against the lunar surface.

But beware! Wait until the sun has completely set before you pull out your viewing equipment to protect your vision. In the coming nights, the moon will drift away from Spica, nearing the red supergiant Antares just before it reaches its first-quarter phase on August 31.

For those eager to delve into the wonders of the night sky, don’t forget to check out the latest deals on telescopes and binoculars. And if you’re new to stargazing, make sure to grab our guide on the leading smartphone stargazing apps of 2025!