Look to the western horizon to catch a fleeting glimpse of the thin crescent moon alongside the red glow of Mars on Aug. 26, set among the stars of the constellation Virgo.

Mars will sit less than 10 degrees above the horizon at sunset, with the 11 %-lit waxing crescent moon hanging less than 6 degrees to its lower left. Remember, the width of your clenched fist held at arm's length accounts for 10 degrees in the night sky, while the span of your index, middle and ring fingers is approximately 5 degrees.

Be sure to stake out a spot with a clear view of the western horizon to give yourself the best chance of spotting the moon and Mars together before they slip below the skyline a little over an hour after sunset on Aug. 26.

Through a pair of 10x50 binoculars, you'll also be able to spot

See Full Page