EarthSky | See the moon near Spica this weekend

Moon close to Spica

The moon in its month-to-month orbit will sweep previous the intense star Spica in Virgo the Maiden this weekend. For those who’re an evening owl, you possibly can spot the pair once they rise round midnight on the nights of January 13 and 14, 2023 (Friday and Saturday night time). Early birds can see them on the mornings of January 14 and 15 (Saturday and Sunday morning).

Last quarter moon will fall at 8:10 p.m. CST on January 14 (2:10 UTC on January 15). A final quarter moon rises (roughly) at midnight.

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The view from the Southern Hemisphere

The moon will seem close to Spica as seen from across the globe, within the coming few days. However – relying in your location on Earth – your orientation of the night time sky will change barely from what’s proven on our chart. Strive Stellarium for a exact star chart out of your location on these dates.

Spica is absolutely 2 stars

The star Spica is also referred to as Alpha Virginis. From its distance of 262 light-years away, Spica seems to us on Earth to be a lone bluish-white star in a quiet area of the sky. However Spica consists of two stars and possibly extra. The pair are each bigger and warmer than our sun. They usually’re separated by solely 11 million miles (lower than 18 million km). They orbit their widespread middle of gravity in solely 4 days.

Read more about Spica, bright beacon if Virgo

Pace on to Spica

The moon will, inevitably, transfer on. However yow will discover Spica within the nights forward by remembering this well-known sky mnemonic: comply with the arc to Arcturus and pace on to Spica.

That previous saying – identified to scouts and stargazers – describes utilizing the well-known Big Dipper to search out Spica, and one other vivid star, Arcturus within the constellation Boötes.

Presently of the yr, the Large Dipper doesn’t become visible till round midnight. You then’ll discover it within the northeast. And, within the mornings in January and February, the Dipper is excessive within the north. Simply comply with the curve within the Dipper’s deal with till you come to the orange star Arcturus. Then proceed that line to Spica.

Backside line: See the waning moon close to Spica in Virgo the Maiden on the nights of January 13 and 14, 2023, and within the mornings of January 14 and 15.

For more great observing events in the coming weeks, visit EarthSky’s night sky guide