Skywatchers, get ready for a celestial treat. Tonight, the moon and the red supergiant Antares will light up the evening sky in a dazzling close encounter. This cosmic pairing offers a rare chance to see Earth’s glowing satellite and one of the brightest stars in the night sky just a finger-width apart.
As the waxing gibbous moon climbs above the horizon, look about 20 degrees above the southern sky after sunset. There, you’ll spot the moon—about 69% illuminated—nestled among the stars of the Scorpius constellation, with Antares shining bright just 1 degree to its upper left.
What to Watch in the Night Sky
As darkness deepens, Antares will appear to trace a path around the moon’s northern rim. This slow celestial dance will continue into the early hours of August 4, when both the moon and the red star slip beneath the southwestern horizon.
In the Southern Hemisphere, viewers in Argentina, Chile, the Falkland Islands, and parts of Antarctica are in for something even more dramatic. Around 8:08 p.m. ET (0008 GMT on Aug. 4), the moon will occult Antares—passing directly in front of it. For those in the path of this alignment, the brilliant red star will vanish behind the moon’s edge, only to reappear a short while later.
What Makes Antares So Special?
Antares isn’t just another twinkling point in the sky—it’s a red supergiant, around 700 times the size of our sun. Located approximately 600 light-years away, this massive star has exhausted its hydrogen core and now fuses heavier elements to stay alive. Someday, it will explode in a supernova, lighting up the sky in one final, spectacular act.
Its reddish glow makes it easy to identify. And tonight, thanks to the moon’s proximity, you’ll have a perfect reference point to find it.
Tips for Stargazers and Astrophotographers
Want to explore more than just Antares? Use a telescope or binoculars to observe the moon’s craters, seas, and highlands. The waxing gibbous phase reveals stunning shadows and textures along the terminator line.
For photographers, this event is a perfect chance to practice lunar and deep-sky shots. Our updated 2025 guides on the best telescopes, binoculars, and DSLR gear will help you capture the night in all its glory.
And if you manage to snap a picture of this cosmic pairing, consider sharing it with the world. Space.com invites you to email your image, along with your name, comments, and location, to spacephotos@space.com.
Enjoy the view tonight—and keep watching the skies.
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for more cosmic moments and stargazing updates.
