Celestial Alignment: Moon, Mars, and Regulus Shine Bright

After sunset on Saturday, June 28, viewers in the U.S. will observe a striking alignment in the evening sky. The slender, waxing crescent moon will appear about 20 degrees above the western horizon, setting the stage for a close trio of celestial objects.

Within the following hour, Mars and the bright star Regulus will align just above the moon, creating a beautiful display. This alignment will become visible as dusk turns into evening and will only be observable for a short time before the trio slips below the horizon.

A waxing crescent moon against a dark sky, with Mars nearby — The moon will appear close to Mars on the night of June 29 for viewers in North America. (Image credit: Starry Night)

On Sunday, June 29, the moon will move to the lower right of Mars, with its crescent shape tracking beneath the planet. The two will come within less than 1 degree of each other before disappearing below the western horizon.

Some viewers might even witness a rare event known as an occultation, where the moon passes directly in front of Mars, temporarily blocking it from view. This phenomenon will be visible from parts of Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Clipperton Island shortly after 6:57 p.m. EDT (22:57 GMT).

If you’re interested in observing these wonders, consider using beginner-friendly telescopes like the Celestron NexStar 4SE for a closer look at Mars, Regulus, and the moon. For those eager to capture detailed images, the latest cameras and lenses designed for astrophotography can enhance your stargazing experience.