The Waxing Gibbous Moon Meets Spica
On May 26, skywatchers will be treated to a striking celestial pairing. The waxing gibbous moon, 83% illuminated, will appear near the bright star Spica in the constellation Virgo. At sunset, the moon will be positioned about 40 degrees above the southern horizon, with Spica shining to its left.
Spica is a binary star system with two stars orbiting each other every four days, having a combined luminosity over 12,000 times that of the Sun, according to EarthSky.
Lunar Highlights for Observers
For those with binoculars or a small telescope, the lunar surface will offer several fascinating features. An arc of light may be visible near the lunar terminator, created by sunlight striking the Montes Jura mountains. The Copernicus Crater, measuring 58 miles wide, can also be spotted near the moon's equator.
Additionally, the south lunar pole area—a potential landing site for the Artemis 4 mission, scheduled for 2028—will be visible along the terminator.
A Night of Drift and a Blue Moon Ahead
The moon will appear to drift slowly toward Spica throughout the night, before setting in the early hours of May 27. Looking further ahead, on May 31, the moon will be near Antares in Scorpius, coinciding with the second full moon of the month—an event known as a Blue Moon.