How To Watch Waning Crescent Moon And Venus Occultation On Sept 19

On Thursday, September 19, skywatchers will get a chance to see a paper-thin waning crescent moon rise before dawn, appearing close to Venus and Regulus in the eastern sky. Only about two percent of the moon will be illuminated, making it one of the quietest and slimmest lunar phases of the month, according to Space.com.

Rare Celestial Event: Moon Aligns with Venus and Regulus

The crescent moon will rise roughly two hours before sunrise with Venus positioned just below it, while Regulus-the brightest star in the Leo constellation-will appear slightly further away. During this rare celestial event, the moon and Venus will appear about a pinky finger apart at arm's length, roughly one degree of separation.

A faint glow, known as Earthshine or the Da Vinci glow, will illuminate the dark side of the moon. This occurs when sunlight reflects off the Earth and bounces back to the lunar surface. The phenomenon is most visible near the new moon phase.

Jupiter will also be prominent in the pre-dawn sky, sitting high in Gemini near the twin stars Castor and Pollux, providing another bright celestial marker.

Venus Occultation: Timing and Visibility

According to Space.com, viewers in Europe, Canada, Greenland, Russia, Asia, and Africa will witness the moon covering Venus in a rare occultation. The event is expected to begin at 6:34 am ET (10:34 GMT) and end at 10:26 am ET (14:26 GMT).

Tips for Watching the Moon and Venus Occultation

Observers can see Venus disappear behind the moon's edge and reappear as it moves past. For optimal viewing, binoculars or a telescope are recommended.

Experts suggest traveling away from city lights to rural fields, open beaches, or elevated areas for clearer skies. Night sky photography enthusiasts can use long exposure settings on a camera mounted on a tripod to capture the slim crescent moon alongside Venus. Apps like SkyView or Star Walk can help track the moon's phases and path. Local astronomy clubs often host early-morning sessions with telescopes for a better view.

Although the waning crescent itself is faint, the alignment with Venus, Regulus, and Jupiter makes September 19 a unique and serene opportunity for skywatchers.