Evening Sky Update: The Moon and Spica in Virgo on July 3, 2025

On the evening of July 3, 2025, skywatchers will witness a spectacular celestial event as the waxing gibbous Moon passes closely by the bright star Spica in the constellation Virgo. This pairing will be visible in the southwestern sky shortly after sunset, providing an excellent opportunity for both amateur and seasoned astronomers to observe the Moon and its surroundings.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Moon will be positioned approximately 0.8° south of Spica at 6 P.M. EDT, making this an ideal time for viewing as twilight falls. For observers in southern South America, this event will be particularly noteworthy, as some locations will experience an occultation, where Spica will temporarily disappear behind the Moon.

Spica, with a magnitude of 1.0, is classified as an incredibly hot and massive star, boasting more than ten times the mass of our Sun. Its striking blue-white light is a highlight for observers using binoculars or telescopes. As the evening progresses, the Moon will position itself to the lower left of Spica around 9:30 P.M. local daylight time.

The Moon's current phase is waxing gibbous, with an illumination of approximately 59%. This phase occurs as the Moon transitions toward a full moon, which will be visible in the coming days. Detailed timings for the celestial events on July 3 include sunrise at 5:36 A.M., sunset at 8:32 P.M., moonrise at 2:12 P.M., and moonset at 12:41 A.M.

This celestial event not only provides a visual spectacle but also serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of our solar system. The alignment of the Moon and Spica offers an opportunity for educational outreach, as educators and astronomy enthusiasts can leverage this occasion to discuss the characteristics of stars and the lunar phases. The event also highlights the importance of observing and documenting celestial phenomena, which can enrich our understanding of the universe.

For those interested in future sky events, the Astronomy magazine’s Sky This Week column will continue to provide updates on the latest celestial happenings, including noteworthy planetary alignments and significant lunar phases.

In summary, the Moon's visit near Spica offers a unique chance for observers to engage with the cosmos, enhancing public interest in astronomy and scientific inquiry.