A Celestial Showdown Awaits!

Mark your calendars for August 27, when the delicate crescent moon will dazzle alongside the bright star Spica right after sunset! This is a cosmic pairing you won’t want to miss, but be quick—these celestial bodies will dip below the horizon shortly after appearing!

Where to Look?

As the sun fades away on the evening of August 27, turn your gaze to the western skies. The moon, illuminated just 18%, will rise about 15 degrees above the horizon, just a smidge over to the right of Spica, the brightest gem in the constellation Virgo, which sits roughly 6 degrees away. A nifty trick? Hold out your hand—the span of your middle three fingers held at arm's length equals about 5 degrees in the night sky!

Timing is Key!

Catch this stunning duo soaring together for just over an hour and a half after sunset, with the fiery planet Mars also making an appearance to their right. Find a perfect spot with a clear view westward to fully soak in this breathtaking celestial moment!

Explore Spica's Splendor!

Spica may seem like just another bright star, but this stunning blue-white star is actually a binary system comprising two massive stars that orbit each other at a staggering distance of just 11 million miles apart. Together, they shine brighter than over 12,100 suns—though at 250 light-years away, they can’t outshine our own moon!

Get Close with Binoculars!

Bring along a pair of 10x50 binoculars or a small telescope, and you’ll be thrilled to spot several prominent craters on the moon's surface, particularly where day meets night—the terminator. Look for the dark oval of Mare Crisium, the Sea of Crises, and below it, the expansive Mare Fecunditatis, or Sea of Fertility.

Safety First!

Just a word of caution: wait until the sun has completely vanished below the horizon to search for the moon through your telescope or binoculars to protect your eyes.

What’s Next?

After this mesmerizing encounter, the moon will continue its journey, moving away from Spica to rendezvous with the dazzling red supergiant star Antares just before reaching its first-quarter phase on August 31.

Gear Up for Stargazing!

If you’re eager to delve deeper into lunar exploration, don’t forget to check out our curated lists of the best telescope and binocular deals. For those new to stargazing, our guide to top smartphone stargazing apps for 2025 will help you navigate the night skies with ease!