Prepare for a Celestial Show!

Tonight, your sky is set for a dazzling display as Mars dances just under 3 degrees south of the captivating double star, Porrima (Gamma Virginis)! At an eye-catching magnitude of 1.6, Mars outshines Porrima—at magnitude 2.7—by a clear margin, making it easy for stargazers to spot this celestial duo.

Look up an hour after sunset to find Mars lighting up the western sky, residing approximately 7 degrees high, with Porrima twinkling just above and to the right. Keep an eye for Spica, the illustrious alpha star of Virgo, shining brightly to their upper left side.

What to Expect Through Your Telescope!

Using a telescope, focus your gaze on the small but vibrant 5-inch disk of Mars, glowing an alluring orangey-red. But don't stop there—shift your focus to Porrima and witness its two stars, resembling twin headlights illuminating the night.

The two components of Porrima are nearly identical in brightness and color, each glowing with a blue-white hue. They each boast about 1.5 times the mass of our Sun and burn at a fiery temperature of around 7,100 K—far hotter than our own 5,800 K.

Fascinatingly, these stars engage in a slow waltz, orbiting each other every 169 years, and tonight, they’re about 4 arcseconds apart in the sky.

Key Times for Stargazers!

Don’t miss these crucial celestial timings: - **Sunrise:** 6:20 A.M. - **Sunset:** 7:44 P.M. - **Moonrise:** 7:42 A.M. - **Moonset:** 8:27 P.M. - **Moon Phase:** Waxing crescent at 2%

(Note: Times are based on local observations at 40° N 90° W.)

Get Ready!

Grab your telescope or just your eyes, and get ready to marvel at this stunning cosmic encounter! Your night sky is waiting!