An Unmissable Evening in the Sky!

Get ready for a breathtaking astronomical event this Thursday, July 3rd! As twilight descends at 6 P.M. EDT, the radiant Moon will pass just 0.8° south of Spica, the brilliant blue-white star that dazzles in the evening sky.

For skywatchers in southern South America, the excitement peaks as they will witness Spica momentarily disappear behind the Moon—a magical moment known as an occultation!

What to Expect at 9:30 P.M.

By 9:30 P.M. local daylight time, the Moon will be positioned elegantly to the lower left of Spica in the southwest sky. Spica shines brightly at magnitude 1.0 and is known to be over ten times the mass of our Sun, offering a stunning view through binoculars or a telescope.

A Treat for Stargazers!

Don’t forget, with the Moon currently in its waxing gibbous phase (59% illuminated), it's the perfect time to explore its surface details. Look closely at the terminator—the fascinating line where day meets night—now beautifully displayed on the Moon's near side.

Key Times for Your Observing Pleasure

Here’s a handy guide for tonight's celestial timings:

- **Sunrise:** 5:36 A.M.

- **Sunset:** 8:32 P.M.

- **Moonrise:** 2:12 P.M.

- **Moonset:** 12:41 A.M.

So grab your binoculars or telescope, and step outside to immerse yourself in this celestial wonder! Tonight's heavenly display is not to be missed!