Tonight’s Night Sky Spectacle: Waxing Gibbous Moon Glows Beside Spica in Virgo—Rare Views for Stargazers
The waxing gibbous Moon shines brilliantly tonight, drifting just past Spica in Virgo—see what telescopes and naked eyes can spot!
- Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous (82% illuminated)
- Closest Approach: Moon was just 0.5° south of Spica at 11 A.M. EDT
- Best Viewing Time: An hour after sunset, southern sky
- Highlight: Double star pair visible in Corvus constellation
Tonight, skywatchers are in for a treat. A luminous waxing gibbous Moon glides across Virgo, just past a close encounter with Spica—the constellation’s bluest and brightest jewel. As darkness falls, both the Moon and Spica command the southern sky as a radiant pair, joined by the subtle outline of Corvus the Crow.
Q: What Makes Tonight’s Moon and Spica Pair So Special?
Earlier today, the Moon skimmed just half a degree south of Spica, Virgo’s alpha star. By nightfall, it’s moved about 6.3° southeast, tracing a brilliant path near the plane of our solar system. This cosmic choreography offers rare viewing opportunities for both amateur astronomers and casual stargazers.
Q: Where & When Should I Look?
Head outside an hour after sunset—around 9:30 P.M. local time—to catch the Moon and Spica glowing side by side in the southern sky. The Moon rises at 4:22 P.M., with moonset at 2:38 A.M., so you have hours of prime viewing.
Don’t just focus on Virgo. Cast your gaze to Spica’s lower right and you’ll spot the compact quadrilateral of Corvus. With a clear sky, it’s a striking but often overlooked star pattern.
How to Spot Corvus’s Hidden Gem: Delta Corvi (Algorab)
If you own a small telescope, don’t miss Delta Corvi, also known as Algorab—about 14.5° southwest of Spica. Train your lens and uncover a breathtaking double star. The 3rd-magnitude blue-white primary gleams next to a subtle orange 9th-magnitude companion. Their separation (24 arcseconds) makes it easy to admire the vivid color contrast.
What’s Next in the Night Sky?
Tonight’s display is just the beginning. As the Moon continues its journey, keep watch for future celestial alignments and possible occultations, when it may pass directly in front of Spica—a phenomenon not seen this month but always worth looking ahead for. For a wider view of what’s coming, check reputable astronomy sources like NASA and Sky & Telescope.
Soak in the views, snap some photos, and share your experience with others. For more astronomy news and next week’s sky events, visit trusted resources like Space.com.
Ready for a stellar evening? Grab your binoculars, check the southern sky an hour after sunset, and tick through our quick checklist:
- Look for the bright waxing gibbous Moon near Spica (southern sky)
- Spot and identify the four-star outline of Corvus nearby
- Use a telescope to split Delta Corvi’s colorful double
- Share your stargazing pics or log observations!
Don’t miss this cosmic pairing—it’s a perfect night to rediscover the wonders above!