Catch a Glimpse of Mars Sparkling Near the Waxing Crescent Moon This July 28 After Sunset!

Hey there, stargazers! Get ready for a treat on July 28! After sunset, the crescent moon will be hanging out right near Mars, making for a beautiful evening view. If you have binoculars, you can easily catch both of these celestial bodies in one glance.

At sunset, look for the crescent moon about 20 degrees above the western horizon. Mars will shine brightly about four degrees to the upper right of the moon. As night falls, Mars and the stars in Virgo will become even easier to see.

If you’re using binoculars, you might spot Mare Crisium, or the Sea of Crisis, on the moon’s surface. This dark area formed millions of years ago from lava flows after a large asteroid hit the moon. Interestingly, this was also where Firefly Aerospace’s spacecraft landed earlier this year.

To the naked eye, Mars looks like a bright red star. If you have a telescope with at least a 4-inch aperture, you can even catch some surface features. Larger telescopes can reveal details like the Martian ice caps, which are fascinating for any astronomy enthusiast.

It’s important to stay safe while observing. Always make sure the sun is below the horizon to avoid damaging your eyes. You can check sunset times for your area using reliable sites like TimeandDate.com.

Both the moon and Mars will set about two hours after the sun, so find a good spot with a clear view of the western sky. This event is perfect for both seasoned stargazers and beginners. It’s a chance to appreciate the beautiful connections in our universe.

For anyone looking to delve deeper into astronomy, consider exploring some of the best telescopes available today. Apps for stargazing have also advanced, providing helpful tools for understanding the night sky, so keep an eye out for the best ones in 2025!

As we celebrate the wonders of the cosmos, it’s also worth noting that recent surveys show a growing interest in space exploration. According to a study by the National Science Foundation, over 70% of Americans believe in investing more in space research. This interest reflects the increasing curiosity about our universe and the need to understand our place within it.

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