This week, the Moon will perform a cosmic double act, sliding past two of summer's brightest stars in a rare same-week conjunction. Skywatchers across North America can catch the waxing crescent Moon near Spica on July 20 and near Antares a few nights later, offering a perfect opportunity for simple, awe-inspiring stargazing.
The star Spica, in the constellation Virgo, shines as a blue-white giant 260 light-years away. Antares, the red supergiant heart of Scorpius, glows a striking orange 550 light-years distant. On Monday evening, July 20, 2026, the Moon will sit just 4 degrees from Spica—about the width of three fingers held at arm's length. By Thursday or Friday, after reaching its first quarter phase, the Moon will slide within 5 degrees of Antares, creating another photogenic pairing.
These events are visible to the naked eye from most northern mid-latitude locations, with optimal viewing shortly after sunset when the sky darkens but the stars are still low. The Moon's proximity to each star makes identification easy even for beginners. Binoculars will enhance the view, revealing the star's color and the Moon's craters along its terminator. No special equipment is needed.
For seasoned observers, the conjunction with Spica carries cultural weight—it marked the start of the agricultural season in ancient Egypt. Antares, rivaling Mars in color, has guided sailors for millennia. Modern sky lovers can appreciate how such alignments connect us to the cosmos without any technology.
This week's lunar double feature sets the stage for even brighter gatherings. Later in summer, the Moon will pair with Jupiter and Saturn. For now, stepping outside after dusk on July 20 and again a few days later offers a calm, free spectacle that anyone can enjoy.
Science
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See The Moon Meet Two Of Summer’s Brightest Stars: Night Sky This Week
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).
Jamie Carter, Senior Contributor
Forbes
2 min read
4/10
Key Takeaways
- On July 20, 2026, the waxing crescent Moon will appear 4 degrees from Spica, the brightest star in Virgo.
- Antares, a red supergiant 550 light-years away, will be within 5 degrees of the Moon around July 23–24.
- Both pairings are visible to the naked eye in North America within 90 minutes of sunset.
- Spica is a blue-white giant 260 light-years distant; Antares is an aging red star with 12 times the Sun's mass.
- This week marks the Moon's closest approach to two different first-magnitude stars in the same week—a rare treat for casual stargazers.
How to View the Moon with Spica and Antares This Week
A simple guide for North American stargazers to observe the Moon's conjunction with two summer stars.
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1
Choose a dark location
Find a spot away from city lights with a clear view of the southwestern sky. A backyard or local park works well.
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2
Check the weather
Ensure clear skies by checking local forecasts. Clouds can obscure the view, so a rain date approach helps.
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3
Look at the right time
For Spica, go outside about 90 minutes after sunset on July 20. For Antares, try the same time on July 23 or 24. The Moon will be higher and easier to spot.
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4
Identify the Moon
The crescent Moon is unmistakable. Once located, scan the sky to its lower left or right for a bright star — that's Spica or Antares depending on the night.
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5
Observe and enjoy
Take a few minutes to let your eyes adjust. Notice the star's color: Spica is blue-white, Antares is orange-red. Binoculars can enhance the contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Moon will meet Spica, the brightest star in Virgo, on July 20, and Antares, the red supergiant in Scorpius, a few nights later around July 23-24.
The best viewing is about 90 minutes after sunset on July 20 from across North America, when the crescent Moon will be a few degrees from Spica in the southwestern sky.
Around July 23-24, the Moon will be within 5 degrees of Antares, meaning they will fit comfortably in a pair of binoculars' field of view.
No equipment is required; both pairings are visible to the naked eye. Binoculars enhance the view, revealing the Moon's craters and the stars' colors.
Yes, Jupiter and Saturn are prominent in the evening sky this July. Jupiter rises before midnight and Saturn is visible after midnight, separate from this week's lunar conjunctions.
Original source
www.forbes.com
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