Stargazers are in for a treat this week as a young crescent moon glides past two of the brightest planets in the night sky, Venus and Jupiter. The slim lunar arc, just two days old, will create a beautiful sequence visible to the naked eye from the western sky after sunset.
When and Where to Look
On 18 May, observers in the northern hemisphere should look west from London at around 22:00 BST. The moon will be only 2.4 days old, with just 6.2% of its visible surface illuminated. Next to this delicate crescent, Venus will shine brilliantly, easily spotted even in the twilight glow. Jupiter, though a bit higher and dimmer, remains prominent. The faintest points of light are the stars of Gemini, Castor and Pollux.
Moon's Movement
Over the following nights, the moon will move eastward toward Jupiter, its illuminated portion growing as the angle to the sun changes. For the best view, choose a location with an unobstructed western horizon.
Southern Hemisphere Advantage
From the southern hemisphere, the view may be even more favourable. At this time of year, the ecliptic—the path of the sun, moon, and planets—is tilted more steeply from the horizon, placing the conjunction higher in the sky at sunset, making it easier to observe.
This celestial alignment offers a perfect opportunity to track the moon's orbital motion and enjoy a serene evening spectacle.
