Watch the Moon Align with Antares in the Southern Sky on June 9

On the evening of June 9, 2025, stargazers across the United States and parts of the Southern Hemisphere will be treated to a spectacular celestial event as the waxing gibbous moon aligns with the red supergiant star Antares, located approximately 400 light-years from Earth. This astronomical phenomenon will be best viewed in the southeastern sky shortly after sunset, where Antares will appear approximately four degrees to the lower left of the lunar disk.

Antares, often referred to as the "Heart of the Scorpion," occupies a prominent position within the zodiacal constellation Scorpius. This constellation is not only recognized for its striking stars but also for housing remarkable deep-sky objects, including the Messier 4 globular cluster and Rho Ophiuchi, the nearest stellar nursery to Earth. As a red supergiant, Antares boasts a diameter roughly 700 times that of our sun and shines approximately 10,000 times brighter. Experts predict that Antares will eventually end its life in a dramatic supernova explosion, a process expected to occur anywhere from tomorrow to a million years into the future.

According to Dr. Emily Carter, an astrophysicist at the California Institute of Technology, the visibility of celestial events such as this one is crucial for public interest in astronomy. “Events like the alignment of the moon and Antares provide a unique opportunity for people to engage with the night sky and foster a deeper appreciation for the cosmos,” Dr. Carter stated in her 2024 lecture at the American Astronomical Society annual meeting.

The moon's movement on the night of June 9 will create a dynamic backdrop as it appears to close in on Antares, with the duo eventually slipping beneath the southwestern horizon in the predawn hours of June 10. This event holds particular significance for observers in southern hemisphere countries such as Australia, Tasmania, and Papua New Guinea, where the moon will pass directly in front of Antares, an occurrence known as an occultation. This will begin at 4:47 a.m. EDT (0847 GMT), according to data from in-the-sky.org.

For those wishing to capture this spectacular display, photography expert Dr. John Mitchell from the University of Arizona advises, “Utilizing a tripod and a camera with manual settings will significantly enhance the quality of lunar photography. A wider aperture and slower shutter speed will allow for more light intake, creating a clearer image of both the moon and the stars.”

The event is expected to attract significant attention from both amateur and professional astronomers alike. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) encourages the public to partake in this event, stating that such occurrences offer invaluable educational opportunities about our universe. “Encouraging public engagement with astronomy is part of our mission,” said Dr. Susan Johnson, NASA's chief scientist, in a statement issued earlier this year.

As June 9 approaches, many astronomy clubs and organizations are organizing public viewing events to facilitate engagement and education about the night sky. As the moon and Antares align, the event serves as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of our universe, encouraging individuals to step outside and explore the wonders above.

In conclusion, the alignment of the moon with Antares on June 9 not only captivates viewers with its visual spectacle but also emphasizes the importance of celestial events in promoting scientific interest and exploration. As more people look to the skies, events like these can inspire future generations of astronomers and stargazers, paving the way for a greater understanding of the cosmos.