Picture of the waxing crescent moon in conjunction with planet Jupiter, seen from Montevideo after … More
There are few sights so fleeting, so delicate, and so beautiful than the moon when it’s about to sink into the sun’s glare. On Wednesday, July 23, just before sunrise, a whisper-thin crescent moon will appear just above the east-northeastern horizon — but that’s not all. Just a few degrees to its right will be brilliant Jupiter, just days after reappearing from the sun’s glare. Here’s how, when and where to catch these two solar system objects as their paths cross each other.
Where And When To Look
The delicate pairing of a barely 3%-lit waning crescent moon and Jupiter will take place low on the east-northeast horizon before sunrise. Jupiter will glow brightly at magnitude -1.8. The waning crescent moon, just 3% illuminated, will lie about five degrees to Jupiter’s left — roughly the width of three fingers at arm’s length. Both celestial bodies will fade quickly in the growing light of dawn.
Wednesday, July 23: Crescent Moon And Jupiter
What You’ll See
Seeing the moon when it’s this slender can be a bit of a challenge. However, if you struggle, bright Jupiter will be there to help you — just look to the left of the planet (binoculars will help), and a view of the moon’s final appearance before it slips into the sun’s glare will be yours. Above the pair will be Venus, shining noticeably brighter than Jupiter and the moon.
Observing Tips
Timing and preparation are crucial. Arrive early to give your eyes time to adjust to the dim twilight. Jupiter should be easy to find — once you do, look just to the left to spot the delicate crescent. You’ll need a clear sky and a good view down to the horizon. Stop observing before sunrise begins to avoid any risk to your eyes, especially if using binoculars or a telescope.
What’s Next In The Night Sky
The Delta Aquariid and Alpha Capricornid meteor showers peak overnight on July 29/30, bringing a gentle flurry of “shooting stars” in the pre-dawn hours. The Perseid meteor shower’s peak night will follow on Aug. 12-13 but be badly affected by strong moonlight.
For exact timings, use a sunrise and sunset calculator for where you are, Stellarium Web for a sky chart and Night Sky Tonight: Visible Planets at Your Location for positions and rise/set times for planets.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.