Sky-watchers are in for a treat this week when the Moon lines up with Venus and Saturn to create a cosmic "smiley face" in the dawn sky. The alignment, which occurs rarely, is due to happen just before dawn on Friday, April 25, and will last for just a short while.
As reported by the astronomy website EarthSky, the spectacle will be visible about 30 to 40 minutes before sunrise. A very thin waning crescent Moon will be to the left of brilliant Venus and considerably fainter Saturn. The three bodies will resemble a tilted smiley face glimmering in the eastern horizon.
In order to observe this shy formation, it is necessary to pray for fine weather. The clouds or fog can hide it from view. Venus and the Moon will be easily visible without binoculars or a telescope, but the weak light of Saturn can be spotted only through binoculars or a telescope.
Onlookers should be warned against staring directly into the Sun while watching sunrise since the bright reflection may lead to permanent eye loss. Specialists suggest caution in time and, when necessary, deployment of proper protection gear.
Supermoon Coming
USA Today states that on the heels of the smiley face alignment, there is another space phenomenon scheduled for Sunday, April 27 — the closest new supermoon of 2025. During this phenomenon, the moon will make a close approach to Earth at just 221,917 miles, a distance about 17,000 miles less than its average. Even though, it is so near, the new moon will not be seen from Earth, unlike its full moon twin, which typically lights up the heavens.
After the smiley face alignment, another celestial occurrence will happen on Sunday, April 27 — the nearest new supermoon of 2025. At this occurrence, the Moon will sail a mere 221,917 miles from Earth, about 17,000 miles closer than normal. Yet, since it is a new moon, it will not be seen from Earth unlike the brighter full supermoons.
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