See A Crescent Moon Embrace Venus And Jupiter: The Night Sky This Week
Each Monday, I pick out North America's celestial highlights for the week ahead (which also apply to mid-northern latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere). Check my main feed for more in-depth articles on stargazing, astronomy, eclipses and more.
The Night Sky This Week: July 21–27, 2025
As July enters its final stretch, the pre-dawn and post-sunset sky steals the spotlight with an exquisite series of moon-planet encounters. In the early hours of the first part of the week, a waning crescent moon in the east will first meet Venus and Aldebaran, then Jupiter, all the while displaying delicate "Earthshine" light. As it darts in, then out of the sun's glare, it will reappear in the west and, by week's end, join Mars. Here's everything you need to know about stargazing and astronomy this week:
Monday, July 21: A Triangle Of Moon, Venus And Aldebaran
Monday, July 21: A Triangle Of Moon, Venus And Aldebaran
Wake early this morning — about 45 minutes before sunrise — and look east to witness a panorama of a 15%-lit waning crescent moon above the eastern horizon. Look for a triangle with the moon top, Venus beneath and the bright orange star Aldebaran in the constellation Taurus to the side. Earthshine — the faint glow caused by sunlight reflecting off Earth and onto the lunar surface — will add a magical touch to the view. Above will be the sparkling Pleiades star cluster.
Tuesday, July 22: A Chain Of Moon, Venus And Aldebaran
Tuesday, July 22: A Chain Of Moon, Venus And Aldebaran
This morning's sky offers one of the richest pre-dawn lineups of the season. A slender 7%-lit crescent moon will hang low in the east, with brilliant Venus to its right, Aldebaran beyond, and the glittering Pleiades cluster above.
Wednesday, July 23: Crescent Moon And Jupiter
Wednesday, July 23: Crescent Moon And Jupiter
Today marks the final morning to glimpse the moon before it enters its new phase. Just 3%-lit, the razor-thin crescent would typically be challenging to spot, but since it will be just five degrees to the left of Jupiter close to the east-northeast, it should be easy pickings in the 45 minutes before sunrise, though a flat, unobstructed horizon and a clear sky will be key.
Friday, July 25: A Waxing Crescent Moon
Friday, July 25: A Waxing Crescent Moon
With the new moon yesterday, the scene is set for some much more convenient post-sunset sights of our natural satellite at its most delicate.
Scan the western horizon 30 minutes after sunset for a 2%-lit waxing crescent moon. A cloudless view and possibly binoculars will be needed to spot it.
Saturday, July 26: Waxing Crescent Moon And Regulus
Saturday, July 26: Waxing Crescent Moon And Regulus
Tonight's crescent moon, now 6%-lit, will be easier to spot and be joined by Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo. Look west about 45 minutes after sunset to find the moon sitting just two degrees to the left of Regulus. A hot, blue-white star roughly 79 light-years away, Regulus is one of four royal stars of ancient Persia.
Sunday, July 27: Waxing Crescent Moon And Mars
Sunday, July 27: Waxing Crescent Moon And Mars
With the crescent moon now 11% lit, it will be higher in the western sky after sunset than it was last night. Just to its upper left will shine Mars, past its best but still unmistakable. The mostly unlit face of the moon will be faintly illuminated by Earthshine, the ghostly glow on the moon's night side. Though visible to the naked eye, binoculars reveal it in detail, especially during crescent phases.
The times and dates given apply to mid-northern latitudes. For the most accurate location-specific information, consult online planetariums like Stellarium.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
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