The Cosmic Showdown: Mars and Spica

Get ready to gaze up tonight as the red planet Mars brushes past the brilliant star Spica! At 4 A.M. EDT, Mars will be just 2° north of Spica, although they won’t be visible at that early hour. Fear not! As dusk settles in shortly after sunset, you can watch this stunning celestial duo light up the evening sky.

But don’t dawdle! Both Mars and Spica set before 9 P.M. local daylight time, and they’ll already be sinking low in the western sky just 40 minutes after sunset. At that time, they’ll be about 5° high, with Mars glowing to the upper right of Spica. With a magnitude of 1.6, Mars is slightly dimmer than Spica’s 1.0, making for a fascinating comparison.

A Glimpse of the Evening Sky

For those equipped with binoculars or a telescope, you’re in for a treat! Both cosmic bodies will be visible together through your optical devices. Just make sure to wait until the Sun dips fully below the horizon before grabbing your gear, as timing may vary based on your location. Clear, unobstructed views of the western horizon will enhance your sky-watching experience; seeking a higher vantage point could also give you a better sight.

Moon Sightings Too!

As the night progresses, keep your eyes peeled for the waning Moon, which will glide north of Uranus at around 10 P.M. EDT. For East Coast viewers, this will coincide with their rise, while earlier, the Moon will have occulted several stars in the Pleiades cluster, a spectacular sight witnessed from parts of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Tonight’s Sky Timings

Rise and shine as you plan your evening! Here are some key timings for your sky-gazing: - **Sunrise**: 6:38 A.M. - **Sunset**: 7:13 P.M. - **Moonrise**: 9:56 P.M. - **Moonset**: 12:37 P.M. - **Moon Phase**: Waning gibbous (70%)

So grab your binoculars, find a comfy spot, and prepare for a cosmic adventure this evening as Mars and Spica steal the show!