Astronomers can enjoy an early evening spectacle this month. The planet Venus can be seen alongside the crescent moon for about an hour after sunset in the Western sky. The pair are currently the brightest objects in the sky at night.
Lucas Snyder with the Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium at the University of Arizona notes the moon’s crescent phase makes it easier to see other planets and stars.
“Some astronomers don’t like to observe when the moon is out because it gives off a lot of light," he said. "When it’s a little crescent moon it’s not giving off as much light and it’s easier to see fainter things in the sky.”
Jupiter and Mercury are also lurking in the general area, but Snyder says they’ll dip below the horizon after a few hours. Skywatchers can expect the unique alignment to be harder to see later this week.
