Crescent Moon Sweeps Past Venus and Jupiter in Evening Sky

Stargazers should watch the western sky after sunset this week as a crescent moon glides past Venus and Jupiter over several evenings, offering a visible demonstration of the moon’s orbital motion.

On May 18, observers in London can see the moon at 10 p.m. local time, only 2.4 days old with just 6.2% of its surface illuminated. Venus will appear as a bright point near the slim crescent, easily visible even in twilight.

Jupiter will be higher and fainter than Venus but still prominent, while the stars Castor and Pollux in Gemini shine dimmest of all. Over subsequent nights, the moon will move eastward toward Jupiter, increasing its illuminated portion as its angle relative to the sun shifts.

For optimal viewing, select a location with an unobstructed view of the western horizon.

Southern Hemisphere observers will have an easier view, as the ecliptic — the path of the sun, moon, and planets — tilts more steeply from the horizon this time of year, placing the conjunction higher in the sky at sunset.