Red Moon Rising! Don't Miss This Weekend's Stunning Sky Show!
Get ready for a celestial spectacle! This weekend, on August 3rd and 4th, 2025, skywatchers across the United States and around the globe are in for a treat. The waxing gibbous moon will be shining brightly near the red supergiant star Antares, creating a beautiful and easily visible display.
Catch the Moon and Antares Together
Look towards the southern horizon shortly after sunset on Sunday, August 3rd. You'll find the moon, illuminated to about 69%, nestled among the stars of the Scorpius constellation. Antares, a brilliant red point of light, will appear just above and to the left of the lunar disk. If you're in Qatar, you can see the celestial phenomenon by gazing at the southern horizon after sunset this August.
How to Find Them
To get a sense of scale, remember that the tip of your finger held at arm's length covers approximately one degree in the night sky. The moon and Antares will be about four degrees apart. For those in Qatar, the angular separation will be approximately one degree on August 31st.
- Time: Look shortly after sunset on August 3rd. Sunset in Doha will be at 6:18 PM.
- Direction: Face the southern horizon.
- Location: Find the Scorpius constellation.
What is Antares?
Antares, also known as the "Heart of the Scorpion," is a red supergiant star, a massive celestial body about 700 times the size of our sun and located approximately 600 light-years away. Its reddish hue is due to its relatively cool surface temperature. The name “Antares” means “rival to Mars”, a testament to its striking red-orange color. It's nearing the end of its life and is expected to explode as a supernova in the (distant) future.
Occultation in the Southern Hemisphere
Observers in parts of the Southern Hemisphere, including Argentina, Chile, the Falkland Islands, and Antarctica, will witness an even more dramatic event: the moon will pass directly in front of Antares, a phenomenon known as an occultation, after 8:08 p.m. ET on August 3rd (0008 GMT Aug 4th).
Don't miss this opportunity to witness a beautiful celestial alignment! Find a spot with a clear view of the sky, away from city lights, and enjoy the show.