The night skies are set to shine with an astronomical spectacle this Thursday, July 11th, as the waning crescent moon makes a close encounter with the breathtaking Pleiades star cluster. For those willing to brave the early hours, the UK is in for a rare treat – a perfect alignment of celestial bodies that will be visible from dawn's early light.
The optimal viewing time is around 3am BST, gazing east-north-east towards the horizon, where the moon and Pleiades will slowly begin to emerge as the sky brightens with approaching dawn. Crucially, a clear view of the low-horizon area will be essential for the best experience.
The crescent moon, just three days old, will appear slender, with only 15% of its illuminated surface visible from Earth. Its sunlit edge will point downwards towards the horizon, creating a striking contrast against the darkening sky. Meanwhile, the compact smudge of the Pleiades lies just beyond the moon's unlit limb, awaiting discovery.
The 'Seven Sisters' are often seen as a compact cluster of six stars with the naked eye – though binoculars will reveal a multitude more. This adds an extra layer to the spectacle, transforming the familiar mini Plough into a vibrant tapestry of light and revealing additional details within the Pleiades.
Adding to this early morning display, Mars is also visible in the vicinity, nestled low towards the horizon within the constellation Taurus, the Bull. Spotters will need to persevere to catch a glimpse of the Red Planet due to its challenging position, but those who do will be rewarded with a rare celestial sighting. This alignment can be observed from both hemispheres – although in the Southern Hemisphere, Taurus rises in the north-east.