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last mo.

See the Newborn Crescent Moon With Mars Low in the West Tonight and Monday

Observers should scan a clear western horizon 20–30 minutes after sunset for a brief view before the pair sets.

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Look west about half an hour after sunset to catch the crescent Moon to the lower right of Mars, with Spica to the pair’s upper left. Credit: Stellarium/USGS/Celestia/Clementine

Overview

  • On Sunday, Aug. 24, a razor-thin 3% waxing crescent appears low in the western twilight with Mars just above and to the left, offering less than an hour of visibility.
  • On Monday, Aug. 25, an 8% crescent will sit just below and to the right of Mars, becoming visible about 30 minutes after sunset.
  • The pairing sits in Virgo near the bright star Spica, with the moon sliding between Mars and Spica on Tuesday, Aug. 26, and aligning beside Spica on Wednesday, Aug. 27.
  • Earthshine may reveal the moon’s darkened face, and binoculars plus an unobstructed west-facing view can greatly improve chances of spotting the scene.
  • Mars has been fading since its Jan. 16 opposition and is expected to disappear into solar glare by late November, with its next opposition on Feb. 19, 2027.