Crescent Moon and Venus Align in Rare Predawn Conjunction

Early Friday morning, a slim waning crescent Moon hovered just above Venus in the eastern sky, offering skywatchers a striking celestial pairing before sunrise. This tight alignment, visible worldwide, also included the bright star Regulus nearby.

The close approach of the Moon and Venus underscores a special celestial choreography that will not repeat until mid-2026, making September 19’s display both timely and noteworthy for amateur astronomers and casual observers alike.

Key Facts at a Glance

When: Before dawn on September 19, 2025
What: Waning crescent Moon (6% illumination) passing within half a degree of Venus (magnitude -3.9)
Where: Eastern horizon, visible from most continents
Why It Matters: Such a tight Moon-planet conjunction is rare and highlights orbital dynamics

Morning’s Main Attraction

Just 90 minutes before local sunrise, the thin lunar crescent appeared low above the horizon, with Venus shining brilliantly less than one finger-width below. The duo formed a near-vertical line in the east, framed by the first rays of dawn. For observers in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, the Moon even occulted Venus briefly, hiding the planet behind its sunlit limb.

Viewing Tips

Head outdoors about two hours before sunrise for the best sky contrast.
Use binoculars or a low-power telescope to capture earthshine on the Moon’s dark side.
Frame the trio-with Regulus slightly farther south-to include Leo’s brightest star in photos.

What’s Next in the Sky

September 21: Saturn reaches opposition, offering peak brightness and optimal viewing all night.
September 21: A partial solar eclipse will trace a path across New Zealand and Antarctica.
September 22: The Moon shifts toward Mercury, but glare from the Sun will likely obscure the view.