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Young Moon Meets Bright Venus Tonight!
18 May
Summary
- A young, 2.4-day-old crescent moon will pass Venus.
- Jupiter and stars of Gemini will also be visible.
- The view is better from the Southern Hemisphere.
This week, skygazers are treated to a beautiful celestial display in the western sky after sunset. A young crescent moon, just 2.4 days old and with only 6.2% of its surface illuminated, will be visible close to the bright planet Venus. Jupiter will also be a prominent feature, appearing higher and dimmer, alongside the stars Castor and Pollux in Gemini.
Over the coming evenings, the moon will continue its eastward journey towards Jupiter, appearing to grow fuller as its angle to the sun changes. For the best experience, observers should seek a location with a clear, unobstructed view of the western horizon.
Those in the Southern Hemisphere will have an easier viewing experience. During this time of year, the ecliptic, the apparent path of the sun, moon, and planets, is more steeply inclined from the horizon. This orientation will position the lunar conjunction higher in the sky at sunset, enhancing visibility.
