Starwatch: find a clear southern horizon to view moon’s Antares conjunction
Conjunction is easier to spot from southern hemisphere because Antares is in southern constellation of Scorpius
The moon all but kisses the brilliant red supergiant star Antares this week. It is a spectacular meeting but one that will require some effort to spot from the UK. To stand a chance of seeing the conjunction, you will need to find somewhere with a clear southern horizon. A hill to stand on would also be advantageous as the pair will already be setting by the time they become visible.
The chart shows the view looking south-west from London at 19:30 BST. The pair will already be visible against the deepening twilight. The moon will be around five and a half days old, in its waxing crescent phase, and will have just under 30% of its visible surface illuminated.