Tonight's Stellar Spectacle

Get ready for a breathtaking celestial display this evening! On Monday, June 16, Mars will glide a mere 0.8° away from the brilliant star Regulus at midnight EDT, giving skywatchers an ideal opportunity to witness a cosmic duet.

How to Spot Mars and Regulus

As the sun dips below the horizon, turn your gaze westward and you’ll see these two luminaries positioned closely in the sky. Mars will twinkle just above the right side of Regulus, both shining with the same magnitude, but their colors will make them stand out. Regulus, a scorching hot blue-white star, boasts a staggering temperature of about 15,400 kelvins—over twice as hot as our Sun! In contrast, Mars radiates a warm orange-red hue, a result of sunlight reflecting off its rusty surface.

Get an Up-Close Look

Don’t miss out on this visual treat! Not only can you watch this duo with your naked eyes, but you can also use a telescope or binoculars to capture the moment in detail. The two celestial bodies will rise to about 40° above the horizon at sunset, remaining visible until local midnight.

Essential Skywatching Times

Here’s your skywatching itinerary for tonight: - **Sunrise:** 5:31 A.M. - **Sunset:** 8:31 P.M. - **Moonrise:** 12:02 A.M. - **Moonset:** 10:36 A.M. - **Moon Phase:** Waning gibbous (72%) Times are provided in local time from the coordinates 40° N, 90° W.

Prepare for an Unforgettable Night!

So gather your loved ones, set up your viewing spot, and prepare for an unforgettable night under the stars as Mars and Regulus light up the sky together!