Spotting Mars with the Moon: A Night Sky Event You Won’t Want to Miss

The Moon and Mars Align in the Night Sky

The night sky is always a source of wonder, and tonight, February 9, 2025, is no exception. The moon, in its waxing gibbous phase and a stunning 93% illuminated, will be a brilliant guide for spotting Mars. As the sun sets, look to the east where the moon will shine brightly. Just above the moon, Mars will be visible, glowing with its characteristic steady orange light. Both celestial bodies will be nestled within the constellation Gemini, the Twins, named after the stars Castor and Pollux, which will be visible just to the left of this cosmic pair. The alignment is a treat for skywatchers, offering a rare opportunity to see two of our solar system’s most fascinating bodies in close proximity.

A Close Encounter: The Conjunction of the Moon and Mars

Tonight’s event is more than just a visual coincidence; it’s a conjunction. In astronomical terms, a conjunction occurs when two celestial objects share the same right ascension, the equivalent of longitude in the sky. This alignment makes it seem as though the moon and Mars are close neighbors. However, appearances can be deceptive. In reality, the two are separated by an enormous distance of about 68 million miles (109 million kilometers). Despite this, the conjunction creates a breathtaking scene, making it feel as though Mars is hovering just above the moon.

Observing the Event: Naked Eye, Binoculars, or Telescope

The good news for casual stargazers is that this event is easily observable without any special equipment. Both the moon and Mars will be visible to the naked eye, and their proximity to each other means they can also be viewed together through a pair of binoculars. For those who want a closer look, a telescope like the Celestron NexStar 4SE is an excellent choice. This telescope is ideal for beginners, offering quality views of celestial objects with ease. If you’re interested in learning more, check out our review of the Celestron NexStar 4SE for a deeper dive into its features.

Can’t See It in Person? Watch It Live Online

Not everyone will have the perfect conditions for viewing the moon and Mars tonight. Whether it’s cloudy skies or a busy schedule, some of us might miss this celestial event in person. Thankfully, the Virtual Telescope Project has you covered. The project will host a free livestream of the close approach starting at 2:00 pm ET (1900 GMT). The livestream can be viewed on their website or YouTube channel, making it accessible to anyone with an internet connection. This is a great opportunity for those who want to experience the event without leaving home.

Mars Disappears: An Occultation Event

For some lucky observers, the moon and Mars will put on an even more dramatic show. In certain parts of the world, Mars will disappear behind the moon and then reemerge on the other side. This phenomenon is known as an occultation, a term derived from the Latin word “occultare,” meaning “to hide or conceal.” The occultation will be visible to skywatchers in specific regions, including parts of northeast Canada, Greenland, Russia, and central China. This rare event offers a unique chance to see Mars temporarily hidden by the moon, a sight that combines the beauty of the night sky with the fascinating physics of celestial mechanics.

Staying Connected to the Night Sky

If you’re as captivated by the night sky as we are, there are plenty of ways to stay informed about upcoming events. Our Night Sky Tonight blog is a great resource for keeping up with celestial happenings, from planetary alignments to meteor showers. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just starting your stargazing journey, there’s always something new to discover. And if you’re looking to upgrade your stargazing gear, be sure to check out our guides to the best telescopes and binoculars on the market. We also have tips for photographing the moon and planets, so you can capture tonight’s event and share it with others.

Share Your Photos and Join the Astronomy Community

If you manage to snap a great photo of the moon and Mars together, we’d love to see it! Space.com invites readers to share their photos of this and other celestial events. By sending your images to spacephotos@space.com along with your name and location, you could see your work featured on our platform. Sharing your photos is a great way to connect with other astronomy enthusiasts and inspire others to gaze up at the night sky.

Tonight’s alignment of the moon and Mars is a reminder of the beauty and wonder of the universe. Whether you’re viewing it with your bare eyes, binoculars, or a telescope, this event is a perfect opportunity to pause, appreciate the vastness of the cosmos, and connect with something much bigger than ourselves. So, grab a pair of binoculars, head outside, and don’t miss this chance to witness Mars and the moon in all their glory.