In brief
The Jeddah Astronomy Society said the waning crescent moon, Venus and Spica will appear close together before sunrise on Saturday, November 7, visible to the naked eye. Observers should use a clear horizon view and avoid binoculars or telescopes without solar filters, according to President Eng. Majed Abu Zahra.
Astronomers from the Jeddah Astronomy Society announced that the waning crescent moon, bright Venus and the star Spica will align in the skies just before sunrise on Saturday, November 7, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency. This alignment will occur over the Arab world and represents a stunning celestial display visible to the naked eye, the Society said.
The three celestial bodies will appear close together on the eastern to southeastern horizon, and the configuration can be best observed roughly 45 to 60 minutes before the sunrise, the Society indicated.
President Eng. Majed Abu Zahra noted that Venus is gradually returning to the morning sky after its inferior conjunction with the Sun that ended in late October. He added that Venus will be located about one degree from the moon, while Spica will lie roughly two to two‑and‑a‑half degrees away.
Abu Zahra also mentioned that the waning crescent will reach its new phase on November 9. The society reminds observers that the alignment is only apparent from Earth and that pointing binoculars or telescopes toward the Sun without certified solar filters can be dangerous.
The Society advised observers to choose a location with an unobstructed view of the horizon, ideally in an area where the eastern sky is clear, and to avoid using optical instruments without the appropriate solar protection.
The Saudi Press Agency reported that the event will be visible across the Arab world, offering an opportunity for sky‑watchers to spot the bright star Spica and the planet Venus before the daylight breaks.
