Observe the Shrinking Venus Transform into a "Smiley Face" Planet: Astronomy Sightings This Weekend
A Fascinating Sneak Peek at the Night Sky This Weekend: March 14-16, 2025
Get ready for an extraordinary cosmic show this weekend, as stargazers across North America (and northern mid-latitudes) gather to witness another installment of the celestial spectacle. After the mesmerizing 'blood moon' total lunar eclipse in early 2022, it's time to renew our awe for the enchanting night sky. This weekend, not only will we marvel at the repercussions of the eclipse, but we also have a rare, breathtaking sight of Venus – and it's a bewitching display that shouldn't be missed.
Venus Awaits: A Friday-Saturday Delight
In the hours following sunset, fix your gaze low in the western sky to catch a glimpse of the inner planets of our solar system – Venus and Mercury. Although Mercury's appearance might be a rare post-sunset opportunity, the real captivation lies with Venus. On the brink of disappearing into the sun's blaze, the crescent Venus is shining brightly one last time. Although it'll re-emerge into the pre-dawn sky by March 22, this weekend promises the best opportunity to capture its splendor.
Peek through any telescope or even a massive pair of binoculars, and you'll witness a smiling crescent that's so narrow and low in the sky that it gleams in all the hues of the rainbow. Spaceweather.com reveals that Earth's atmosphere acts as a prism, separating the red crescent from the blue, with the dazzling separation of colors due to the slenderness of the crescent.
Grab your chance to see Venus and Mercury while you still can, as they bid adieu to the twilight next week. venture outside 45 minutes after sunset and indulge in the viewing, as they'll sink rapidly into the western horizon within about 30 minutes.
A Movement of Cosmic Dance: Sunday's Episode
Look east-southeast approximately two hours after sunset to witness a 93%-lit waning gibbous moon rising below a beaming star – Spica in the constellation Virgo. This star, found approximately 261 light-years away, is one of four that the moon passes close to every month. The others are Aldebaran, Regulus, and Antares. However, this passage is particularly close.
Seeing Spica rise in the east is a precursor of the arrival of astronomical spring.
The times and dates provided are valid for mid-northern latitudes. For the most precise and location-specific information, visit online planetariums like Stellarium, and use a sunrise and sunset calculator tailored to your geographical location.
Wishing you crystal-clear skies and wide-opened eyes.
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- Astronomers and stargazers alike are in for an amazing weekend with the highlight being a rare sight of rainbow Venus accompanying the waning gibbous moon on Saturday night.
- Observe the match between the 93%-lit moon and the star Spica in the constellation Virgo around two hours after sunset on Sunday night. This event, known as moon and Spica conjunction, is a signifier of the approaching astronomical spring.
- If you're interested in witnessing other celestial events this weekend, don't miss the total lunar eclipse on Saturday night, a spectacle that was last seen in early 2022. Immense attention is being paid to Saturday as the weekend will undoubtedly be a memorable one for watchers of the night sky.
