Mars-Moon alignment is here. Watch out for the 1,000-star Beehive Cluster also. Details

A rare cosmic alignment is taking place in the sky this week with Moon and Mars coming together. Skygazers will have a wonderful opportunity to see the two cosmic bodies together close by. On Wednesday (Nov 20), Mars will be visible just four degrees above the waxing crescent Moon.

The best views of Mars are on offer only once every two years. It is happening the week of Nov 19, 2024, this time when it will appear next to the Moon. Such alignments happen because of the natural orbits of the bodies within our solar system which are elliptical.

Mars has been growing in brightness for weeks. It will reach its brightest point in January 2025 in a two-year period. You can spot the Moon and Mars together near the twin stars of Gemini: Castor and Pollux. They will rise hours after sunset and you will be able to view them until dawn.

The orbit of Mars would be bringing Mars closer to Earth, resulting it in appearing extremely bright. It will be at an even closer point in January when you will be able to see it shine much more brightly in the night sky.

By the evening of November 20, 2024, the waning moon will be close to the red planet. You might also be able to catch a glimpse of the Beehive Cluster, or M44. The cluster contains around 1,000 stars and can be seen with the naked eye if you are in a region with extremely dark skies.

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To watch the Beehive Cluster in other areas, you'll need a pair of binoculars to spot it late on the night of Nov 20-21. 

How to see Mars and Moon

To get the best view of the Mars and Moon alignment, wait till after 10 pm on November 20. By this time, both the bodies would have risen high in the sky. It would be ideal if you could get away to a location where there is minimal light pollution. Look towards the east-northeastern part of the sky to see the pair shining next to each other.

You can easily see them with the naked eye and don't need any special equipment. But if you wish to get a closer look at Mars, use a pair of binoculars or a telescope.