Key Takeaways:
- At 11 A.M. EDT, the Moon will pass 4° south of Mars in the constellation Virgo.
- Shortly after sunset, the Moon, Mars, and Spica (Virgo's brightest star) will be briefly visible low on the western horizon.
- Observation requires a clear western horizon and may necessitate binoculars for Spica, which sets around 7:30 P.M. local daylight time.
- The Moon (9% illuminated waxing crescent) and Mars will remain visible until approximately 8:00 P.M. local daylight time.
The Moon passes 4° south of Mars in Virgo at 11 A.M. EDT. The pair is briefly visible — along with Virgo’s brightest star, Spica — for a short time after sunset this evening.
You’ll need to be fast, though, as they are sinking quickly toward the horizon. About half an hour after sunset, 1st-magnitude Spica is just 1.5° high and may require binoculars to spot in the horizon haze. You can use the Moon and Mars — a little higher, some 6° above the western horizon — to guide you.
The Moon is now a 9-percent-lit waxing crescent, the easiest of the three to spot. Magnitude 1.6 Mars is 7° to the Moon’s upper right, roughly one binocular field away (make sure you wait until at least several minutes after sunset from your location to pull out any optics). Spica, a bit brighter than Mars, is 13° to the Moon’s lower right.
Spica sets first, by about 7:30 P.M. local daylight time. The Moon and Mars remain visible about half an hour longer, reaching the horizon by 8 P.M. local daylight time. For the best views, opt for an observing site with a clear western horizon — no tall trees or buildings — and try to get to a hill or elevated region above your local surroundings.
Sunrise: 6:50 A.M.
Sunset: 6:53 P.M.
Moonrise: 9:39 A.M.
Moonset: 7:56 P.M.
Moon Phase: Waxing crescent (8%)
*Times for sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset are given in local time from 40° N 90° W. The Moon’s illumination is given at 12 P.M. local time from the same location.
For a look ahead at more upcoming sky events, check out our full Sky This Week column.
