## Predawn Sky Show: Crescent Moon to ‘Fly By’ Venus on Sept. 19
A stunning celestial alignment will grace teh predawn skies on September 19, as a crescent moon appears to pass incredibly close to the planet Venus. The event promises a captivating sight for skywatchers, particularly those in North America, Europe, Canada, Greenland, and parts of Russia, Asia, and Africa.
For observers in the U.S., the moon will appear to drift closer to Venus and the star Regulus as dawn breaks. Though, those in Europe, Canada, Greenland, and other regions are in for a rarer treat: the moon will actually move in front of Venus, briefly obscuring the planet from view in an event known as an occultation. This occultation will begin globally at 6:34 a.m. ET (1034 GMT) and conclude at 10:26 a.m.ET (1426 GMT), according to information from in-the-sky.org.
The close approach offers a unique opportunity for amateur astronomers and casual stargazers alike to witness a beautiful conjunction. Occultations, while not uncommon, are dependent on precise alignment and viewing location, making each event special. The visibility of Venus itself is also a factor, as it is indeed currently shining brightly as a “morning star” before sunrise.
Those hoping to enhance their viewing experience can consult resources for selecting appropriate equipment. Space.com offers roundups of the best binoculars and telescopes for viewing the night sky.
Space.com encourages readers who capture images of the moon and Venus to submit their photos, comments, and location to spacephotos@space.com for potential publication.
