On July 11 at 3am BST, skywatchers in London can observe the waning crescent moon as it glides past the Pleiades star cluster, also known as M45 or the Seven Sisters. This celestial event promises a stunning view for those with a clear horizon.
Viewing the Crescent Moon and Pleiades
The waning crescent moon will be just a few days old, with only 15% of its visible hemisphere illuminated. Its sunlit limb will point down toward the horizon, making it the easiest object to spot in the early morning sky. The Pleiades, a compact smudge of stars, will appear off from the opposite, dark limb of the moon.
From London, the best viewing angle is east-north-east, where observers can catch the moon and the Pleiades before dawn brightens the sky. Binoculars are recommended to see more stars in the cluster, as the naked eye typically reveals only six stars.
Finding Mars in Taurus
Additionally, Mars will be nearby, positioned lower toward the horizon in the constellation Taurus. Identifying Mars may prove challenging due to the increasing brightness of the sky. However, those who are patient and equipped with binoculars might be rewarded with a glimpse of this neighboring planet.
