On September 13, 2023, astronomy enthusiasts will witness a stunning celestial display as Mars glows brightly next to the blue star Spica at sunset. To catch this vibrant cosmic pairing, observers need a clear view of the western horizon shortly after the sun dips below it.
As the sun sets, look towards the west to find Mars positioned less than 10 degrees above the horizon, with Spica shining to its lower left, nestled among the stars of the constellation Virgo. For those new to stargazing, a helpful tip is to remember that the width of a clenched fist held at arm’s length represents roughly 10 degrees of sky, while the span of three middle fingers measures about 5 degrees.
Both Mars and Spica will set just over an hour after the sun, making it essential to seek an elevated location with a clear western view. The visibility of this colorful duo will be brief, and the opportunity to see them together should not be missed.
Spica, known as a binary star system, is comprised of two luminous stars with a combined brightness over 12,000 times that of our sun. Despite being the brightest star in Virgo, Spica ranks outside the top ten brightest stars visible from the northern hemisphere, located approximately 250 light-years from Earth.
For those looking to enhance their stargazing experience, binoculars such as the Nikon Prostaff P3 8×42 can provide a great view. These binoculars offer excellent optics at an affordable price, featuring a shockproof design that withstands accidental drops, making them suitable for outdoor observations.
Mars, recognized for its distinctive red color, owes this hue to iron minerals in its rocks and soil, which undergo oxidation. As the weeks progress, Mars will become increasingly challenging to spot as it moves closer to the sun in Earth’s evening sky. This trend will culminate in January 2026, when Mars reaches its solar conjunction, appearing behind the sun from our viewpoint. Following this event, the planet will emerge as a bright morning star in the predawn sky.
For those interested in sharing their astrophotography, submissions can be sent to [email protected]. Enjoy the celestial show this September 13—an enchanting encounter with two of the night sky’s most captivating objects.
