Stargazers, good morning. If you wake up early today—September 19—you might catch a magical moment in the sky: a sliver of moon, Venus close by, and a bright star from Leo peeking through. Here’s what to look for, when, and how to make the most of it.
What’s Happening Tonight & Early Morning
Before sunrise today, the waning crescent moon (almost invisible, just a thin sliver lit—only a few percent illuminated) will rise low in the eastern sky.
Very close underneath it (less than a finger-width at arm’s length) will be Venus, bright as ever—often called the “Morning Star.”
Slightly farther off, you’ll see Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo. It helps form a line: Moon → Venus → Regulus.
Occultation: Moon Briefly Hides Venus
In some parts of the world (Europe, Asia, Africa), there will be a rare event called an occultation. That means the moon will pass in front of Venus, hiding it for a little while.
Depending on where you are (India or neighbouring areas), you might see Venus vanish and reappear. Just make sure you’re watching at the correct time and horizon.
Jupiter Also Joins the Show
High in the sky (to the upper right of this moon-Venus-Regulus lineup), Jupiter will make an appearance. You’ll spot it with its stellar companions (Castor, Pollux) shining nearby.
If you’re looking for more than just one bright object, Jupiter adds a bonus treat.
Sky-Watch Tips for Indian Observers
Go out about two hours before sunrise. The sky will still be dark enough to see fainter stars, but the moon and Venus are already getting visible.
Pick a spot away from city lights (rooftops, parks, outskirts). Light pollution washes out faint objects.
Binoculars help. Even a small pair will make Venus look more distinct when it’s near the edge of the moon.
If you have a camera/tripod, try long-exposure shots to capture Earthshine (that faint glow on the dark part of the moon). It’s subtle but very pretty.
What’s Special About This Night
Seeing a thin crescent moon plus Venus plus Regulus lined up is rare. The closeness of Venus to the moon makes it dramatic.
The occultation, in regions where visible, adds a moment of suspense—Venus disappearing behind the moon is not something you see every day.
Earthshine (sometimes called the “Da Vinci glow”) might let you faintly see the dark part of the moon outline, thanks to sunlight bouncing off the Earth
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