Just a day after producing a spectacular solar eclipse over the North Atlantic and Arctic, the Moon is making a more subtle return to our evening sky just after sunset.
Look to the West right after the Sun drops below the horizon and if you’re very lucky you will see a tiny sliver of the New Moon. It’s close in the sky to the red planet Mars (in fact, the pair will be in the same binocular field of view) but that will also be a challenge to see. You’re more likely to see Venus riding higher in the sky. The Moon will be about 33 hours old having started its new lunar cycle at the moment of yesterday’s solar eclipse.
For observers in the UK, sunset this evening occurs in London at 6.15pm, Manchester 6.23pm, and Edinburgh 6.27pm. You’ll not have long to catch this fleeting wonder as the Moon will be setting shortly after 8pm GMT from the centre of the British Isles. Viewers should seek out a flat, uninterrupted western horizon. The Moon will be about ten degrees above the horizon 30 minutes or so after sunset (end of civil twilight). See our Almanac for precise timings.
Remember do not to attempt to view the Moon through binoculars or any other type of optical equipment until the Sun is safely below the horizon.
Inside the magazine
Find out more about what’s up in the night sky every month in Astronomy Now the UK’s biggest and longest running astronomy magazine.
Never miss an issue by subscribing. Also available for iPad/iPhone and Android devices.