A 3%-lit waxing crescent moon will be visible in the west just after sunset on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025.
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Moon gazers across the globe will get the chance to look for a newborn moon in the early evening sky just after sunset on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025. Always a monthly highlight for skywatchers, the razor-thin crescent in the early evening sky will appear low in the west shortly after sunset, accompanied by the red planet Mars. It comes just a day after a rare seasonal “black moon.”
Where And When To Look
The waxing crescent moon will become visible in the western sky shortly after sunset where you are on Sunday evening. Because it’s yet to emerge far from the glare of the sun, it will set about 50 minutes after sunset — meaning observers have less than an hour to spot it.
Look low toward the western horizon, ideally from a spot with an open, unobstructed view.
Catch the young crescent Moon with Mars low in the west after sunset on Aug. 24, 2025.
Stellarium
What You’ll See
The moon will appear as a delicate crescent in the constellation Virgo, with most of its surface impossible to see. Just above and to the left of the crescent moon, Mars will be visible.
Mars reached opposition on Jan. 16, when it made its closest approach to Earth since 2022. It’s been prominent ever since, and will continue to be visible shortly after sunset for a few more months, though it’s now receding quickly from Earth. It will eventually become lost in the sun’s glare in late November. The red planet will next come to opposition on Feb. 19, 2027.
Observing Tips
Catching a crescent this slim requires good timing, a good location, some patience and possibly a pair of binoculars. Head outside about 20 to 30 minutes after sunset and begin scanning low in the west. A clear horizon free from buildings or trees is essential for success.
A pair of binoculars may help you find the faint crescent close to the horizon, particularly if it’s hazy. Although you may need help finding it, as soon as you have it, you’ll likely be able to find it with the naked eye.
Although the moon will only be visible this slim for one night, if it’s cloudy, it’s worth looking again the next night. On Sunday, Aug. 25, the waxing crescent moon, now 8% illuminated, will shine just below and to the right of Mars in the western sky after sunset.
What’s Next In The Night Sky
The moon’s slim crescent on Aug. 24 and Aug. 25 kicks off a few nights of beautiful moon views. On Tuesday, Aug. 26, a 14%-lit crescent moon slides between Mars and Spica, Virgo’s brightest star, while on Wednesday, Aug. 27, a 21%-lit crescent moon will sit beside Spica and Mars, with bright star Arcturus directly above. Stargazers can try the classic “Arc to Arcturus, spike to Spica” star-hop, beginning from the arc of stars in the Big Dipper’s handle.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.