Witness the Spectacular Waxing Moon Shining Near Spica — Don’t Miss This Dazzling Sky Show Tonight

How to Catch the Moon’s Rare Dance with Spica & Secrets of Virgo’s Night Sky Revealed

The waxing gibbous Moon glides by Spica in Virgo tonight. Discover viewing tips, celestial highlights, and astronomy facts for 2025 stargazers.

Get ready for one of 2025’s most enchanting night sky events! As darkness falls, look to the southern skies to witness the waxing Moon brushing past Spica, the brightest star in the zodiac constellation Virgo. With the Moon shining 82% full, both casual observers and astronomy enthusiasts are treated to a cosmic ballet you won’t want to miss.

Tonight’s sky spectacle began earlier, with the Moon having passed just half a degree south of Spica at 11 A.M. EDT. By nightfall, their separation will have widened to 6.3°, yet they’ll still appear as a striking pair, high above the horizon. Stargazers from New York to Chicago will see Spica—the “Maiden’s Jewel”—glimmering beside the glowing lunar disk.

Spica, a blue-giant beacon, shines at magnitude 1 and anchors the constellation Virgo. Its vantage near the ecliptic often brings it close to the Moon’s monthly journey. Sometimes, the Moon even hides Spica in a dazzling “occultation,” but not this month.

As you soak in this view, glance to the lower right of Spica. There, a quadrilateral cluster of third-magnitude stars forms the underappreciated constellation Corvus the Crow. This small but mighty pattern is often overshadowed by its neighbors, but a close look offers a special treat.

Q: What’s Special About Corvus and Delta Corvi Tonight?

Aim a small telescope or binoculars southwest of Spica—about 14.5°—and find Delta Corvi, also called Algorab. This striking double star system features a brilliant blue-white primary and a dim orange-hued companion. Their color contrast makes them pop, even to beginners, and the wide 24 arcsecond separation allows easy splitting with basic amateur equipment.

How to View the Moon and Spica Like a Pro

1. Head outside by 9:30 P.M. local time for the best view, shortly after sunset.
2. Look due south: You’ll see the Moon glowing brightly, with Spica just to its upper right.
3. Scan lower right of Spica for Corvus the Crow’s four-star box. Delta Corvi is the nearest star to Spica in the group.
4. Enhance your experience with binoculars or a telescope—especially for viewing Delta Corvi’s double nature.

Common Questions from Stargazers

Q: Can I photograph the Moon and Spica together?

Absolutely! Use a smartphone or DSLR camera with a tripod. For best results, expose for the Moon’s brightness and try bracketing shots to capture Spica’s glow.

Q: When will the Moon occult Spica next?

The next Moon-Spica occultation viewable from North America isn’t until 2026. Tonight’s near-miss is your best chance for that classic lunar/stellar pairing this year.

What Else Can I See in Virgo and Corvus?

Virgo, stretching across the spring and summer sky, hosts not only brilliant Spica, but also galaxy clusters open to telescope owners. Meanwhile, Corvus may be compact, but it rewards patient watchers with striking double stars and intricate patterns. Check Sky & Telescope and NASA for more viewing ideas and upcoming cosmic highlights.

How Do I Make the Most of This Sky Event?

• Start your viewing session just after sunset for darkest skies.
• Use a stargazing app to help spot Spica and nearby constellations.
• Invite friends—night sky watching is more fun together!
• Mark your calendar for future conjunctions and moon phases with resources from Time and Date.

Don’t let this opportunity slip by—step outside tonight and experience a celestial show that connects you to the wonders of the universe!

Skywatcher’s Action Checklist:

• ☑ Note moonrise (4:22 PM) and sunset (8:26 PM).
• ☑ Head outside 1 hour after sunset.
• ☑ Find the bright Moon and Spica in the south.
• ☑ Scan right for Corvus and Delta Corvi’s color duo.
• ☑ Share your photos and observations with fellow stargazers online!