There’s something magical about looking up at the sky and seeing the Moon accompanied by a bright dot. You might wonder: is that a star or something more what planet is next to the Moon tonight? This article walks you through what you’re seeing, when and how to look, plus what to expect for moon today and bright star next to moon moments.
Tonight’s Sky: What Planet Is By The Moon Tonight?
Update for September 21, 2024: Tonight, the planet appearing prominently next to the Moon is Jupiter. The waning gibbous Moon will rise in the east after around 10:30 PM local time, with the bright, steady glow of Jupiter shining closely to its upper left. This makes for a spectacular late-night sight. While Venus is often the "Evening Star," its current position places it too close to the Sun to be visible at night, making Jupiter the dominant planet in the evening and early morning sky.
Why Jupiter Stands Out Tonight
While Venus is typically the brightest planet, Jupiter is a very close second and is currently the brightest object in the night sky after the Moon. It shines with a steady, brilliant silvery light that doesn't twinkle like a star. Its proximity to the Moon tonight makes it incredibly easy to find. This also explains why people often mistake Jupiter for a "very bright star next to the moon." It’s actually a gas giant, but one of the easiest planets to spot with the naked eye.
Moon Today: Phase, Path, and Position
As of Saturday, September 21, 2024, the Moon is in a Waning Gibbous phase, about 88% illuminated. It rises later in the evening, providing a perfect backdrop for Jupiter. The Moon’s path is currently taking it through the constellation of Aries, which is why the bright planet Jupiter (in nearby Pisces) appears so close. The contrast might not be as stark as with a crescent Moon, but the pairing will be unmistakably bright.
How To Spot The Planet Next To Moon Nightly
Here are practical tips so you don’t miss it:
- For Tonight (Sept 21): Look east after 10:30 PM. The Moon and Jupiter will rise together and will be high in the sky by midnight.
- Use binoculars for a stunning view. Even a basic pair will reveal Jupiter as a small disc instead of a point of light, and you may even see some of its largest moons lined up beside it.
- Check astronomy apps like Star Walk 2, Sky Safari, or NASA's Eyes for real-time positioning tailored to your location.
- Find a dark spot away from city lights for the best view, though the pairing is bright enough to be seen from urban areas.
Today 21 September 2024: Your Nightly Guide
As of tonight, Saturday, September 21, 2024, skywatchers are in for a treat. The Waning Gibbous Moon will serve as a brilliant guidepost to locate the king of the planets, Jupiter. They will remain a close pair throughout the night, moving across the sky together. For the best photographic opportunity, step outside between midnight and 3:00 AM when the duo is high in the sky.
Common Misconceptions: Star Next To Moon vs Planet Next To Moon
Some people see a bright dot near the Moon and assume it’s a star. Often, it’s a planet like Jupiter or Venus. The key difference is that planets shine with a steadier, non-twinkling light compared to stars. The intense brightness of Jupiter makes it a prime candidate for being mistaken for an aircraft or a star. Using a simple astronomy app is the fastest way to confirm you're looking at a planet.
FAQ
What planet is next to the moon tonight?
For September 21, 2024: Jupiter is the planet next to the Moon. It will appear as a very bright, non-twinkling point of light to the upper left of the Moon throughout the night.
Star next to moon tonight is it really a star?
The brightest object near the Moon tonight is the planet Jupiter. True stars will twinkle more noticeably and will be dimmer than Jupiter in this alignment.
What planet is by the moon tonight if not Venus?
Venus is currently a morning planet, visible before sunrise. In the evening, Jupiter and Saturn are the most prominent planets. Tonight, Jupiter is the one partnering with the Moon.
Moon and Jupiter: why does this pairing happen?
The Moon orbits Earth, and on its monthly journey, it passes near the various planets from our viewpoint on Earth. This close pass is called a conjunction, and it's a common and beautiful event.
Is the moon tonight helpful to find a planet?
Absolutely. The Moon is the easiest object to find in the night sky. When it pairs with a bright planet like Jupiter, it acts as a perfect celestial signpost to help you locate it.
Bright star next to moon which stars are common?
While Jupiter is the main attraction tonight, bright stars like Aldebaran in Taurus or Fomalhaut in the Southern Fish (Piscis Austrinus) can sometimes be found near the Moon's path depending on the time of year.
Crescent moon with star what does that look like?
While the Moon is not a crescent tonight, a crescent Moon with a bright planet like Jupiter is especially beautiful because the darker sky offers more contrast. The sight of a thin crescent with a bright "star" (often a planet) is a favorite among photographers.
Conclusion
If you look up tonight, September 21, 2024, the brilliant, steady light of Jupiter will be shining near the Waning Gibbous Moon. This easy-to-find pairing is a perfect excuse to spend a moment under the stars. For future events, remember that the planet next to the Moon changes nightly, so using apps like Star Walk or SkySafari will ensure you always know what you're looking at. Clear skies!
