Overview

• On Aug. 25, an 8% waxing crescent sits just below and to the right of Mars low in the western sky shortly after sunset.
• The pair remains visible for under an hour before setting, creating a narrow viewing opportunity soon after dusk.
• Plan to look 20–30 minutes after sunset from an unobstructed west-facing spot, with binoculars helpful for spotting Mars and for viewing lunar earthshine.
• The scene lies in Virgo, with Mars about 7° to the Moon’s upper left and bright Arcturus emerging higher as the sky darkens.
• The pairing kicks off successive evenings of arrangements as the crescent moves between Mars and Spica on Aug. 26, then beside Spica on Aug. 27, while Mars continues to fade toward solar glare by late November ahead of its next opposition on Feb. 19, 2027.