Stargazers tracking planetary alignments and lunar conjunctions can observe brilliant planet Venus gliding past the bright star Spica low in the west during evening twilight, according to astronomical data provided by Alan Dyer and Universal Images Group via Getty Images. This early September event launches a busy week of naked-eye sights, with the waning moon making close approaches to the Pleiades star cluster and Mars as autumn approaches.
Tuesday Night Venus And Spica Conjunction In The Western Sky
Dazzling Venus shines just over a degree from Spica, the brightest star in the constellation Virgo, when viewed low in the west-southwest about 30 minutes after sunset, according to observational guides. Observers have a brief window to catch this pairing. The two celestial objects remain visible for only about 90 minutes after sunset before dipping below the horizon.
By Wednesday, Venus and Spica begin to drift apart while continuing to linger near each other in the evening twilight. Astronomy enthusiasts with a clear western horizon can easily spot the fading proximity without specialized equipment.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait until the sky is fully dark to begin observing. According to field guides, deep twilight about 30 to 45 minutes after sunset provides the ideal contrast for spotting bright planets like Venus alongside early-appearing stars.
Before-Dawn Moon And Pleiades Pairing On Thursday
The 61%-lit waning gibbous moon hangs close to the Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters, in the constellation Taurus before dawn on Thursday, September 3. While moonlight can wash out fainter celestial details, using a pair of binoculars helps reveal the famous star cluster clearly.
As the lunar cycle progresses, the moon reaches its last quarter phase on Friday, September 4, rising around midnight. This lunar phase leaves the early evening sky dark, offering welcome news for stargazers hunting deep-sky treasures like galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters during the final comfortable evening temperatures of late summer.
Weekend Waning Crescent Moon And Mars Conjunction
Early risers on Saturday, September 5 can spot the 38%-lit waning crescent moon passing through the constellation Taurus as it continues its journey toward next week’s thin crescent phase. By Sunday, September 6, the 27%-lit waning crescent moon pairs directly with the red planet Mars in the eastern sky before dawn.
Did You Know? Aquarius lies along the ecliptic—the path followed by the sun, moon, and planets—making its subtle Y-shaped “Water Jar” pattern a vital reference region for tracking future planetary movements across the night sky.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is best to view Venus and Spica?
According to observational data, look low in the west-southwest about 30 to 45 minutes after sunset. The pairing remains visible for roughly 90 minutes.
Do I need a telescope to see the Moon and the Pleiades?
No, a standard pair of binoculars is sufficient to reveal the Pleiades star cluster near the waning gibbous moon despite lunar glare.
When does the moon reach its last quarter phase?
The moon reaches its last quarter phase on Friday, September 4, rising around midnight to leave early evenings dark for deep-sky observation.
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