The waxing crescent moon will appear close to Mars on the evening of August 26, 2025. This celestial event will occur low on the western horizon in the constellation Virgo. The crescent moon, illuminated at 11%, will be less than six degrees to the lower left of Mars.
Mars will glow with its characteristic red hue. The width of a clenched fist held at arm’s length is about 10 degrees in the sky. The span of your index, middle, and ring fingers measures about five degrees.
To see this cosmic conjunction, find a location with an unobstructed view of the western horizon. The pairing will be visible for just over an hour after sunset before both celestial bodies set. Through a pair of 10×50 binoculars, you should also be able to spot features on the lunar surface, such as Mare Crisium and Mare Fecunditatis.
View Mars near the crescent moon
Spica, the brightest star in Virgo, will shine to the upper left of the moon. The dimmer star Porrima will be about three degrees to the upper right of Mars.
By the following night, the moon will have moved away from Mars. On August 31, the night before the first quarter, the moon will be seen near the red supergiant star Antares in the constellation Scorpius. To capture images of this event, consider using a DSLR camera.
A variety of telescopes also offer detailed views, with options for stargazers at different experience levels. If you capture an image of the crescent moon with Mars and want to share it, please send your photos, comments, name, and location to astronomy forums or local astronomy clubs. This celestial event provides an opportunity for both amateur and seasoned astronomers to enjoy a remarkable alignment of the moon and Mars.
Mark your calendars to witness this rare conjunction.
