HIGHLIGHTS
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ToggleCalling all astronomy enthusiasts! You may have come across social media buzz surrounding a phenomenon dubbed the “smiley face moon” set to grace our skies on April 25, 2025. Is this a true spectacle? Will the moon indeed appear to smile at us? Well, it’s a bit of a stretch—more like a playful wink!
On the morning of April 25, a delicate crescent moon will adorn the sky, accompanied by the luminous planets Venus and Saturn. However, don’t let the hype of those viral images fool you; the actual celestial display won’t mirror a flawlessly constructed smiley face. With that said, let me shed some light on the fascinating alignment involving Venus, Saturn, and our crescent moon.
To witness this extraordinary alignment, you will need to direct your gaze to the eastern horizon approximately one hour prior to sunrise on April 25. Yes, it means an early start! As of now, sunrise in Delhi is expected to occur at 5:46 AM. During this magical time, you will witness a thin crescent moon, merely two days shy of the new moon phase, casting a soft glow with an illumination of around 8%. If the skies remain clear, you may also witness a faint illumination across the moon’s dark side, an effect known as Earthshine. This phenomenon occurs when sunlight reflects off our planet, casting a gentle light on the moon’s shadowy portion.
Now, let’s talk planets! Positioned just above the crescent moon will be the brilliant Venus, easily recognizable as the brightest object in the pre-dawn sky. Saturn, often termed as the second “eye” in this cosmic smile, may prove a bit more challenging to locate. Together, the moon, Venus, and Saturn will create a tilted triangular shape reminiscent of a smile, albeit not the cartoonish grin those exaggerated images portray, but still a very charming arrangement in the heavens.
This cosmic trio last aligned in January 2025, when they captivated evening sky-watchers. At that time, they were observable to the naked eye shortly after sunset and were joined by Neptune and Uranus, though the latter two required telescopes for visibility. The highlight of that previous gathering was the striking conjunction of Venus and Saturn, where Venus outshone Saturn by a factor of 110.
Mark your calendars and set your alarms for early on April 25! This celestial event, while may not deliver a perfect smiley face, will undoubtedly provide an enchanting experience for those who take the time to look up and appreciate the wonders of the universe. So, grab your binoculars—or telescope if you have one—and prepare for a morning of stellar beauty as you connect with the cosmos.
Don’t forget to share your observations on social media, and let your fellow star-gazers know about this magical morning spectacle! Whether you’re a seasoned astrophile or a casual sky-watcher, experiencing the alignment of the crescent moon, Venus, and Saturn is bound to be a memorable highlight.