Skywatching Guides for Planets, Moon, and Stars

When the Curves Line Up publishes skywatching guides that focus on the moon, planets, and the brightest stars. Each article provides clear timing, angular separations, and directional reference points so observers know where and when to look. The site emphasizes careful description and is written for readers who value observational accuracy.


Current Sky Events

2026, March 18-21: Crescent Moon and Earthshine Visible in the Evening

March 18-21, 2026: A thin crescent moon appears low in the western sky after sunset, revealing earthshine — the softly lit “Old Moon in the New Moon’s Arms.”

2026, March 21: Crescent Moon, Venus, Jupiter, and Uranus in the Evening Sky

March 21, 2026: Look west after sunset for a thin crescent moon and Venus. Jupiter shines high in the south while Uranus sits near the Pleiades. by Jeffrey L. Hunt Chicago, Illinois: Sunrise, 6:52 a.m. CDT; Sunset, 7:04 p.m. CDT.  Times are calculated by the US Naval Observatory’s MICA computer program. Check local sources for…

2026, March 22-24: Crescent Moon Passes Taurus with Pleiades and Aldebaran

Look west after sunset March 22–24 to see the crescent moon pass the Pleiades and Aldebaran in Taurus. Uranus is also in the binocular field.

2026, March 23: Venus, Jupiter, Uranus, and the Crescent Moon in the Evening Sky

March 23, 2026: Look west after sunset to see Venus and the crescent moon. Jupiter shines high in Gemini while Uranus sits near the Pleiades star cluster.

2026, March 23: Why the Crescent Moon Appears Higher Each Night in Spring

March 23, 2026: The steep angle of the ecliptic during spring evenings lifts the crescent moon higher each night and raises Venus in the western sky.

2026, March 24: Waxing Moon Near Elnath Tonight – Spot Taurus’ Bright Horn Star

March 24, 2026: A waxing 41% illuminated moon appears near Elnath, the bright horn of Taurus. Look in the west-southwest about an hour after sunset. The moon and Beta Tauri easily fit in the same binocular field of view.


Venus as an Evening Star, 2026

Venus as an Evening Star, 2026
Chart Caption – The chart shows the setting time of the planets, bright stars, and moon in the western sky compared to sun. Two planets rising times are compared to sunset.

Venus as an Evening Star

Venus Special Report



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Jupiter’s Turns East

Venus, Jupiter, Gemini, March 10-June 9
Chart Caption – 2026: May 10-June 9: Jupiter and Venus are shown compared Gemini. This chart is based on the ecliptic the plane of the solar system.

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