Stargazers are being treated to a compact grouping of bright objects in the morning sky as the planet Venus draws close to a waning crescent moon and the star Spica. The alignment will be most readily visible to those up before sunrise, offering a striking low‑horizon display.
When and where to look
A chart published for observers in London shows the configuration at 0600 GMT on 7 November, with the trio appearing in the east‑south‑east. Timing and sightlines will vary with location, but the general appearance — Venus as a dazzling point, Spica nearby and the thin crescent Moon — should be replicated across much of the Northern Hemisphere in the pre‑dawn hours that week.
What you will see
Venus will be the easiest object to pick out, shining more brightly than the surrounding stars. Beside it will sit Spica, the brightest star in the constellation Virgo, which lies roughly 250 light years from Earth. The waning crescent Moon will appear as a sliver of illumination joining the two.
A brief viewing note
The grouping is best observed while the sky is still dark and before the Sun rises and brightens the horizon. Naked‑eye viewing will readily reveal the contrast between Venus’s intense glow, the Moon’s crescent and Spica’s stellar light; binoculars can enhance the view but are not necessary.
Observers and amateur astronomers often watch such close passages for their aesthetic appeal and as an opportunity to become more familiar with the movements of planets and the layout of constellations. Weather and local horizon obstructions such as buildings or trees will affect visibility, so checking the forecast and finding a clear eastern horizon will improve the chances of a good view.