Monday, August 17, 2026 at 8:45 PM CDT - Cresent Moon (left), Spica (small dot possibly in the middle), and Venus (right)
Sunday, August 16, 2026 at 9:05 PM CDT - Conjunction of the Moon and Venus Over Russellville, Arkansas
What about tonight - Monday, August 17?
Tonight, the Moon remains close to Venus and another celestial object joins the scene - Spica, the brightest star in Virgo.
Crescent Moon + Venus + Spica will be visible after sunset toward the western/southwestern sky. Have your cameras ready! The challenge tonight is to capture the Moon, Venus and Spica in the same frame.
From Russellville, Arkansas - the best viewing times:
8:05 PM - Start watching the western/southwestern sky
8:20 - 8:40 PM - Best photo/viewing period
8:45 PM - Spica should stand out better as twilight darkens
After 9:00 PM - The trio will be getting low to the horizon toward the west-southwest sky - so trees and buildings may become a problem.
Venus and the crescent Moon will be easiest to frame while there is still some blue twilight. Spica becomes easier to see as the sky darkens.
Keep Looking Up - There's More Coming!
The Full Moon of August 28 coincides with a deep partial lunar eclipse where 96% of the Moon enters Earth's dark umbral shadow.
Maximum eclipse occurs at 11:12 PM CDT on the night of August 27.
No special equipment is needed to view a lunar eclipse safely.
The crescent Moon is the beginning of an interesting month for skywatchers.
Did you see the Moon and Venus last night?
If you happen to photograph the trio - share your pictures!
