Topline
Skywatchers across the globe are in for a treat this weekend as the moon and Mars meet in a stunning close conjunction — what some astronomers call a celestial “kiss.” The rare pairing, best viewed just after sunset on Sunday, June 29, will offer one of the most striking naked-eye sights of the summer.
Key Facts
On Sunday, June 29, the moon and Mars reach conjunction, appearing less than 0.2 degrees apart. For most viewers, Mars will seem like a reddish “cherry” perched above a spectacular 24%-lit waxing crescent moon.
The duo will be above the western horizon shortly after sunset and remain easily visible, if skies are clear, for about an hour.
A conjunction is an astronomical term for when two or more objects shine close together in the night sky, as seen from Earth. They are line-of-sight illusions.
From the Pacific Ocean close to northern South America, the moon will briefly occult Mars, something that was seen from North America on Jan. 13.
Don’t Miss The Warm-Up Event …
In a warm-up to the main event, on Saturday, June 28, the 16%-lit waxing crescent moon will appear — also above the western horizon around 45 minutes after sunset —below and to the right of Mars. In between the two will be the blue star Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo, “The Lion.” The striking trio will appear almost evenly spaced in the sky, creating a near-perfect line.
… Or The Warm-Down
Following the close conjunction, the crescent moon will continue climbing higher in the sky over the next few nights, pulling away from Mars and Regulus. By Monday, June 30, the moon will be 33%-illuminated and will still form a beautiful visual line-up with Mars and Regulus.
Planetary Conjunctions Coming Soon
The next major planetary conjunctions will see Venus and Jupiter appear to be just 2.4 degrees apart before sunrise on Aug. 12 and a crescent moon and Venus just 0.8 degrees apart before sunrise on Sept. 19.
