Read on to find out what you can see in the night sky tonight, from planetary meet-ups to the ever-changing moon phases , meteor showers and more. Want to look even further ahead? Check out our monthly night sky guide our brightest planets guide also tells you what planets are visible and when this month.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 7 — CRESCENT MOON, VENUS AND SPICA (AFTER SUNSET)
A waxing crescent moon will be visible between Venus and the bright star Spica. (Image credit: Starry Night)
A brighter, more obvious crescent moon will tonight be positioned about halfway between Venus, to its lower right, and bright star Spica, to its upper left. One of the 20 brightest stars in the night sky, Spica is the brightest star in the constellation Virgo . -- Jamie Carter
THURSDAY, AUG. 8 — CRESCENT MOON, VENUS AND SPICA (AFTER SUNSET)
Look for "Earthshine" on the waxing crescent moon as it moves between Venus and Spica. (Image credit: Starry Night)
Here's another chance to see the crescent moon dominating the post-sunset evening sky, with Venus shining stubbornly close to the western horizon. Look at the moon's dark left side. Can you make out any details? Since no sunlight shines directly on it, it should be dark, right?
The light you can see is called "Planet-shine," "Earthshine," or "Da Vinci Glow." It's sunlight shining on Earth and reflecting onto the moon. It's easiest to see in a crescent moon a few days old. -- Jamie Carter
Earthshine is caused by sunlight reflecting from Earth onto the moon. (Image credit: Alan Dyer/Stocktrek Images via Getty Images)
FRIDAY, AUG. 9 — SATURDAY, AUGUST 10 - CRESCENT MOON, SPICA, ANTARES AND THE MILKY WAY (AFTER SUNSET)
Visible for about two hours after sunset will be a crescent moon close to Spica. (Image credit: Starry Night)
About a quarter of the moon's Earth-facing side is now lit by the sun. Across two nights, it will appear on either side of Spica. Arcturus in the constellation Boötes will appear directly above the pair, while to the south, the Milky Way will rise after dark. However, to see the arc of our galaxy, you'll need to be well away from light pollution. -- Jamie Carter
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