What Planet Is Next to the Moon Tonight: Venus Joins Crescent Moon on Sept. 19

A rare sight will light up the sky tonight. The crescent moon will rise close to the bright planet Venus. The two will appear side by side in the predawn hours of September 19. Many across the U.S. and other parts of the world will get a chance to see this celestial event.

The moon is currently in its waning crescent phase. Only about 2% of its surface will be visible. Venus, often called the morning star, will shine brightly just below the moon. The star Regulus in the constellation Leo will also be nearby.

What Planet Is Next to the Moon Tonight

The answer is Venus. The planet will appear close to the crescent moon on September 19. Observers should look to the eastern horizon about two hours before dawn. The moon will sit just above Venus, while Regulus will glow faintly nearby.

This close approach is not only beautiful but also rare. In some parts of the world, including Europe, Canada, Greenland, Russia, Asia, and Africa, the moon will actually pass in front of Venus. This event is called an occultation. It will begin at 6:34 a.m. ET (10:34 GMT) and end at 10:26 a.m. ET (14:26 GMT). According to BBC News and Reuters, such events are key highlights for skywatchers.

The view will also show Earthshine. This soft glow lights up the dark part of the moon. It happens when sunlight reflects off Earth onto the lunar surface. This glow makes the moon’s full disk faintly visible.

How to See the Moon and Venus Together

You do not need a telescope to enjoy this event. The moon and Venus will be bright enough for the naked eye. For a clearer view, binoculars or a small telescope can help. The planet will shine as one of the brightest points in the sky. The moon’s thin curve will be easy to spot in dark areas with little light pollution.

If you hold your little finger at arm’s length, it covers about one degree in the sky. The moon and Venus will be closer than that. They will appear as if they could touch.

Stargazers in the U.S. will see the pair drift closer as dawn breaks. In some locations, Jupiter will also be visible higher in the eastern sky. This makes September 19 a special morning for skywatching.

The crescent moon with Venus next to it will be one of the best predawn sights of the month. Do not miss this chance to watch the night sky glow with two of its brightest objects.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What planet is next to the moon tonight?

Venus is the planet next to the moon tonight. It will appear just below the thin crescent moon before dawn.

Q2: What time should I look for the moon and Venus?

Look about two hours before sunrise. The pair will rise low in the eastern sky and be visible until dawn.

Q3: Will the moon cover Venus tonight?

Yes, in some regions. Parts of Europe, Canada, Asia, and Africa will see the moon pass in front of Venus in an occultation.

Q4: What is the glow on the dark side of the moon?

That glow is Earthshine. It happens when sunlight bounces off Earth and lights up the lunar surface.

Q5: Can I see Jupiter too?

Yes. Jupiter will be visible higher in the eastern sky during the same night. It will shine near the stars Castor and Pollux.