09/01/2024
A very thin crescent moon, less than 5% illuminated, will appear low in the sky next to Mercury, Mars and Venus. Of the three planets, Venus will be most visible, shining bright during its current period of morning apparition. Mars will be less visible, and could require binoculars to make out near the horizon in the morning twilight. Mercury, meanwhile, will be fairly bright at around magnitude 0. In some areas with low light pollution and a flat, unobstructed view of the horizon, the world might be visible without optical aid.
Venus will rise first, becoming visible around 2.5 hours prior to sunrise. Look to the southeast to find the pale yellow planet shining brightly in the early morning sky. From there, Mercury and the moon will rise roughly an hour later; Mercury will appear above and to the left of the moon. Mars then brings up the rear, rising above the horizon roughly a half-hour before sunrise.
