Cosmic smiley face: How to watch the Moon, Venus, and Saturn align this week
Skygazers are in for a cosmic treat this week as the Moon aligns with Venus and Saturn to form a celestial 'smiley face' in the early morning sky. The rare alignment is set to occur just before sunrise on Friday, April 25, and will be visible for only a brief period.According to the astronomy news site EarthSky, the event will be visible approximately 30 to 40 minutes before dawn. A thin waning crescent Moon will appear to the left of bright Venus and much dimmer Saturn. The three objects will look like a skewed smiley face shining in the eastern sky.advertisementTo capture this elusive formation, observers have to pray for clear weather. Clouds or fog may block the view. While Venus and the Moon will be easily visible to the naked eye, Saturn's faint light may require binoculars or a telescope to see.
Observers are cautioned not to look directly at the Sun during sunrise, as the intense glare can cause permanent eye damage. Experts advise careful timing and, if needed, the use of appropriate safety equipment.Supermoon ComingAccording to USA Today, Coming on the heels of the smiley face alignment, another celestial event is to occur on Sunday, April 27 — the nearest new supermoon of 2025. Throughout this occurrence, the moon will pass by Earth at a mere 221,917 miles, just about 17,000 miles closer than its norm. Although, it is so close, the new moon will not be visible from Earth, as opposed to its full moon sibling, which usually illuminates the heavens.advertisementFollowing the smiley face alignment, another celestial event will take place on Sunday, April 27 — the closest new supermoon of 2025. During this event, the Moon will pass just 221,917 miles from Earth, roughly 17,000 miles closer than average. However, because it is a new moon, it won't be visible from Earth unlike the more radiant full supermoons.Also Read: Will we ever see it again? Green Comet SWAN likely destroyedMust Watch
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Time of India
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- Time of India
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Time of India
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Astronomers witness supermassive black hole tear star apart during violent galactic collision—here's what exactly happened in this rare tidal disruption event
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Hans India
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