Don't Miss This Spectacular Cosmic Pairing!

This evening, the sky will offer a breathtaking view as Mars aligns just south of the dazzling double star Porrima (Gamma Virginis). With a brightness of magnitude 1.6, Mars outshines Porrima, which glimmers at magnitude 2.7. An hour after sunset, look up to see Mars positioned to the upper right of Porrima in the western sky, both reaching about 7° above the horizon.

Exploring Porrima: A Glimpse into the Universe!

Using a telescope, Mars appears as a tiny, glowing orange disk measuring just 5 inches wide, lacking detailed features. However, when you shift your gaze to Porrima, prepare to be amazed! This stunning double star resembles twin headlights against the night sky. Each component shines almost equally bright at magnitudes 3.8 and 3.7 and radiates a blue-white color, with each star weighing about 1.5 times more than our Sun and boasting a scorching temperature of roughly 7,100 K. These celestial twins are locked in an orbit around each other, completing a revolution every 169 years, currently separated by about 4 arcseconds.

Tonight’s 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 (2%)

Make sure to catch this celestial spectacle tonight! The harmonious trio of Mars, Porrima, and the bright star Spica creates a perfect opportunity for stargazers to enjoy the enchanting beauty of our universe.