In the early hours of February 11, observers in the UK can see the waning crescent moon positioned close to Antares, the brightest star in the constellation Scorpius. To view this celestial pairing, look towards an unobstructed south-east horizon before dawn.
Antares is a red supergiant star located approximately 550 light years from Earth. Due to its low altitude above the horizon in the UK, spotting Antares is relatively rare, making this conjunction with the moon a notable event for stargazers.
**Why this matters**
This close approach of the moon and Antares offers a unique opportunity for skywatchers to observe a bright, distant star alongside the familiar glow of the moon. It highlights the dynamic movements of celestial bodies and encourages interest in astronomy and the night sky.
Source: NewsData