All articles tagged with #spica
On May 26, the waxing Moon (about 83% illuminated) will pass near Spica, the blue-white star in Virgo. Spica is a binary giant-star system with a combined luminosity of more than 12,000 suns. The Moon will be roughly 40° high at sunset and drift toward Spica through the night, setting on May 27; the week also features a Blue Moon later in the month.
Tonight after sunset (March 30), look northeast to spot the Big Dipper. Use its bowl-to-handle arc to guide your gaze to Arcturus, then follow up to Spica for another bright spring star—a quick, naked-eye sky-navigation trick ideal for learning the spring constellations; binoculars help reveal fainter stars if you want a closer look.
On September 13, Mars will appear close to the blue star Spica in the western sky at sunset, offering a beautiful celestial view before they set below the horizon. Mars, with its red hue caused by iron oxidation, will gradually become harder to spot as it moves closer to the sun in its orbit, leading up to its solar conjunction in January 2026. Observers are encouraged to find an elevated, clear spot to view this cosmic pairing before they disappear from view.
On August 27, the slender crescent moon will be visible near the bright star Spica in the western sky at sunset, offering a brief opportunity for skywatchers to observe this celestial pairing before they set below the horizon, with additional details on lunar features and nearby planets for enthusiasts.