Title: “Rare Celestial Encounter: Moon and Mars to Make Close Approach in August 2023”
New York City, August 18, 2023 – This Friday, stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts will be treated to a breathtaking sight as the moon and Mars make a close approach in the western sky. Swerd Media brings you the latest updates on this celestial event that is set to captivate the city’s inhabitants.
Starting shortly after the moon rises at 8:35 a.m. EDT and continuing until they set around 9:01 p.m. EDT, both the moon and Mars will be visible in the New York City skyline. To witness this extraordinary pairing, onlookers should gaze westward during sunset and locate the moon. Just below and to the left of the moon, Mars will be strikingly visible, accompanied by Mercury positioned slightly below the moon as well.
During this close approach, the moon will be in its waxing crescent phase and will be only about 1 degree from Mars. Both celestial bodies will be located in the constellation of Pisces, further adding to the allure of this rare event.
Although the moon and Mars will be too distant to be seen together in a telescope, they will both be visible in the wider field of view provided by binoculars. This unique proximity is a result of Earth’s perspective within the solar system, as Mars currently resides approximately 226 million miles away.
In the coming months, Mars will slowly move further away from Earth, reaching its most distant point in mid-October 2023. However, stargazers need not fret as the red planet will make a closer approach once again in mid-January 2025.
For those interested in taking a closer look at this celestial spectacle, Swerd Media recommends using binoculars or telescopes. To assist readers, comprehensive guides for selecting the best binoculars and telescopes are available on our site.
Furthermore, Swerd Media offers photography enthusiasts guidance on capturing the moon and engaging in astrophotography. Whether experienced or amateur, photographers are encouraged to share their awe-inspiring photos of this close encounter between the moon and Mars with Space.com.
Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the moon and Mars seemingly coming together in the night sky. Mark your calendars for August 18, 2023, and prepare to be awed by the wonders of our universe.
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