The Crescent Moon, Venus, and a Star Cluster Will Put on a Dazzling Show This Weekend

You might want to start your Sunday extra early this weekend. That's because on June 22, a triangular arrangement of the waning crescent moon flanked by Venus and the Pleiades star cluster will be visible just before sunrise, according to Space.com.

To see the celestial show, head outside about an hour before sunrise and look east. Venus will appear beneath the waning crescent moon, which will be 33 times brighter than the planet. To the left of the pair will be the Pleiades (also known as the Seven Sisters and Messier 45), one of the closest open clusters of stars to the solar system that serves as a popular skywatcher target. It's located in the constellation Taurus.

And on the moon’s darkened portion, you might be able to spot earthshine, which is caused by light being reflected from Earth, making the rest of the moon appear as a dark disk in the sky.

While you'll be able to spot the display with your naked eye, a pair of binoculars will help you better see the cluster of stars in the Pleiades and the earthshine on the moon. Also, aim to get away from city lights for the best view. Check the local sunrise time in your area here.

Night owls and super early risers will also be able to spot the display again the morning of June 23 at around 3:30 a.m. local time.