Step outside right at sunset to view the Moon and Mars sinking quickly toward the western horizon, preceded by Virgo’s brightest star, Spica.
If you’re quick, you can catch the Moon, Mars, and Spica in the west shortly after sunset on September 24. Credit: Stellarium/USGS/Celestia/Clementine
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.