Don’t miss a beautiful moon with Mars after sunset this week

Skywatchers are for a treatment this week, as Crescent Moon takes the main stage, starting as a thin sliver and increasing brighter every night.

In addition to being a beautiful spectacle in itself, it will pass near Mars and Bright Stars Spica and Antares as it moves through the sky after Sunset from Tuesday 23 September until Saturday 27 September.

Here’s when and where to watch the moon shortly after sunset every night this week.

Tuesday, September 23: First Crescent Moon Observation

Fresh from the New Moon phase – which caused a deeply partial solar eclipse at sunrise for observers in New Zealand and the eastern region of the South Pacific – the moon will reappear after sunset tonight.

Only 4%-the super-minute crescent will be a difficult finding, hovering low in the western-lover. Patients with skyscrapers with a clear horizon may be able to discover its dim shine – but binoculars may also be required.

Wednesday, September 24: Crescent Moon and Mars

Tonight, after sunset, Crescent Moon will shine brighter with 9%-and will appear relatively close to Mars. The best he sees in the South-Southwest after the sunset, the mating will quickly sink to the horizon, so don’t hang. It is the final combination of Moon-Mars of the year.

Thursday, September 25: Crescent Moon

Tonight, a 15%-lit Crescent Moon hair removal will be about halfway between Mars and Antares, the brightest star in Scorpio. It’s a good night to take a look at “Earthshine”, the light glow of sunlight reflects the oceans, the clouds and the ice of the earth on the dark side of the moon.

Friday, September 26: Crescent Moon and Scorpius

The moon of hair removal is 23%tonight and is approaching the Scorpio constellation, shining near the star of Acrab on Scorpio’s head.

Saturday, September 27: Crescent and Antares

The moonlight after the month ends with a nice close combination of 31%-lit Moon and Antares. It is often called “Scorpion’s Heart”, Antares is a red supergiant star about 555 light years away. Its reddish hue and bright glow make it one of the most recognizable stars in the night sky. Its name means “Mars’ opponent” because it is often confused for the planet when they appear near, because they both have a reddish color.

What will follow in the night sky

Crescent Moon can bring a touch to the sky after Sunset as we arrive at the end of September, but it’s worth climbing an hour before sunrise to see the ruins of the planet’s parade (Aphrodite, Zeus and Saturn are easy to see).

Skywatchers in October could see something really special if Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6), discovered in January, is growing quite bright to view naked eyes. His closest approach on October 20-21 coincides with the top of the Orionid Meteor shower and the next New Moon, creating ideal observation conditions.

I wish you clear skies and wide eyes.