This week sees a conjunction between the crescent moon and Mars.
getty
Each Monday, I pick out North America’s celestial highlights for the week ahead (which also apply to mid-northern latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere). Check my main feed for more in-depth articles on stargazing, astronomy, eclipses and more.
The Night Sky This Week: August 25-31, 2025
As August comes to a close, it’s a great week to see summer constellations, but also planets — including the final showing of six-planet parade. See Mars make a quiet but graceful appearance alongside the moon on Monday evening. Then, if you’re up before sunrise on the final morning of the month, you’ll witness a spectacular celestial triangle formed by Venus, Jupiter and a distant star cluster. Here’s everything you need to know about the night sky this week:
Monday, August 25: Crescent Moon And Mars
Stellarium
Monday, August 25: Crescent Moon And Mars
Look west about 30 minutes after sunset for a beautiful pairing of an 8%-lit crescent moon and Mars. Though the red planet is currently faint, it should be easy to see close to the moon.
Tuesday, August 26: Moon Between Mars and Spica
Stellarium
Tuesday, August 26: Moon Between Mars and Spica
A now 14%-lit crescent moon will appear between Mars on its right and Spica on its left tonight. Spica, the brightest star in Virgo, sits roughly 250 light-years away. Together, the trio forms a line low in the southwest after sunset.
Wednesday, August 27: Moon With Mars And Spica
Stellarium
Wednesday, August 27: Moon With Mars And Spica
At dusk, the moon — now 21%-lit — continues its journey past Spica and Mars in the southwest to create a planetary panorama. The moon will display subtle “Earthshine” — sunlight reflected off Earth’s oceans and ice caps — gently illuminating the moon’s night side.
Saturday, August 30: Moon and Antares
Stellarium
Saturday, August 30: Moon and Antares
A now plump-looking crescent moon shines near Antares in the southwest tonight. Antares, the red heart of the constellation Scorpius, is a red supergiant roughly 550 light-years away. It’s one of the largest and brightest stars visible to the naked eye.
The Beehive Cluster (M44), also known as Praesepe, an open cluster group of stars that all formed from the same cloud of gas and dust.
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Sunday, August 31: Venus And The Beehive Cluster
An hour before sunrise, look east to see bright Venus. Then, try spotting the faint glow of the Beehive Cluster (M44) alongside it. It’s one of the closest star clusters and looks spectacular through binoculars.
The times and dates given apply to mid-northern latitudes. For the most accurate location-specific information, consult online planetariums like Stellarium.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.