On the evening of September 13, look west at sunset to spot Venus shining brightly near the crescent moon. This beautiful sight is a precursor to a rare event on September 14, when the moon will pass directly in front of Venus, visible to those in parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Viewing Tips:
- Venus will appear as the “Evening Star,” about 5 degrees from the moon. To gauge this distance, hold out your three middle fingers at arm’s length.
- The moon will be dimmer, only 9% illuminated, and will be challenging to see against the sunset glare.
- Both celestial bodies will be less than 10 degrees above the horizon shortly after sunset, so find a location with an unobstructed view to the west.
Earthshine Effect:
Look out for earthshine, where the unlit side of the moon is faintly illuminated by sunlight reflecting off Earth. This effect is most noticeable during the new moon phase.
Upcoming Event:
On September 14, at 5:26 AM EDT, the moon will occult Venus, creating a spectacular daytime sight for millions. While this will be invisible in the U.S., the evening sky will transition post-occultation.
For photographing this celestial event, refer to guides on how to capture the moon with a DSLR or mirrorless camera. Check out recommendations for essential lenses and camera bodies for astrophotography.
Note: Always exercise caution and never aim telescopes or binoculars at the sun directly.
