Don't Miss This Weekend's Sky Show As The Moon Meets Regulus
This weekend, a beautiful crescent moon will dominate the post-sunset evening sky. On Saturday, July 26, it will shine close to Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo. Here's everything you need to know to see the crescent moon at its brilliant best this weekend.
Where And When To Look
Be outside shortly after sunset on Saturday and look toward the western horizon. The waxing crescent moon will be low in the sky but relatively easy to see. Just to its right — about two degrees away, or roughly the width of a finger held at arm's length — you'll find the bright, bluish star Regulus shining at magnitude 1.3.
What You'll See
The crescent moon is just 6%-lit, displaying Earthshine (sunlight reflected by Earth onto the lunar surface) on its dark limb. Regulus will shine steadily nearby. About 79 light-years from the solar system, Regulus is the brightest star in the constellation Leo, often called 'The Lion's Heart.'
Saturday, July 26: Waxing Crescent Moon And Regulus
Observing Tips
Plan to observe soon after sunset because this conjunction will only last about 30–45 minutes before setting. Since both the moon and Regulus will stay low, so seek out a location with a clear and unobstructed view of the western sky. A rooftop, open park, or hilltop will give you the best chance to enjoy this close conjunction before the moon and Regulus set. You won't need any special equipment to enjoy this pairing, though binoculars will give you a great view of Earthshine on the moon.
What's Next In The Night Sky
Come back the next evening, on Sunday, July 27, and you'll see the crescent moon bulge a little as it approaches Mars. Overnight on July 29-30, the Delta Aquariid meteor shower will peak, offering a pre-dawn display of shooting stars.
For exact timings, use a sunrise and sunset calculator for where you are, Stellarium Web for a sky chart and Night Sky Tonight: Visible Planets at Your Location for positions and rise/set times for planets.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
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