Enjoy the Celestial Show: Mars, Venus, and a 13% Illuminated Crescent Moon Form a Right-Angle Triangle on June 21
Key Highlights :
As the sun reaches its highest point in the Northern Hemisphere on June 21, stargazers will be in for a real treat. On the summer solstice, Venus, Mars, and a slender crescent moon will make a captivating appearance in the evening twilight, forming a right-angle triangle. This remarkable celestial event won’t be witnessed again until March 28, 2028, making it an unforgettable experience for sky gazers in North and South America.
The solstice week offers multiple opportunities to enjoy the twilight sky, with the added delight of witnessing the Da Vinci glow, also known as Earthshine, where sunlight reflects off the Earth onto the dark side of the waxing crescent moon. On June 19, keen observers equipped with stargazing binoculars could look towards the low western horizon during twilight to catch a glimpse of the slim crescent moon, which was just over 3% illuminated.
On June 20, a slightly brighter and higher crescent moon will join bright Venus and dim Mars to form a striking alignment in the sky. The moon will be nearly 8% illuminated, showcasing vivid Da Vinci glow on its darkened portion.
The most captivating view of the three celestial bodies will be on June 21, following the onset of the summer solstice. Timeanddate.com suggests that a right-angle triangle will form between Mars, Venus, and a 13% illuminated crescent moon. Spotting the relatively dim Mars without binoculars or a small telescope may prove challenging, but the recurring Da Vinci glow on the moon will certainly capture attention.
On June 22, stargazers will be treated to another remarkable sight as a 21% illuminated crescent moon aligns once again with Mars and Venus, this time positioned above the pair. Furthermore, the moon will be in close proximity to Regulus, a star in the constellation Leo.
While these celestial phenomena can be observed with the naked eye, the use of stargazing binoculars or a telescope will provide a breathtaking close-up view of the Da Vinci glow on the lunar surface, enhancing the experience for avid sky gazers.
To make the most of this celestial show, stargazers should look towards the western horizon during twilight on June 19, 20, and 21. The best time to observe the alignment of the three celestial bodies is around 8 pm local time.
The summer solstice is a special time of the year, and this year, it’s even more special with the alignment of Mars, Venus, and a crescent moon. So, grab your binoculars and make the most of this rare opportunity to witness a celestial spectacle.
