What Bright Star or Object is Near the Moon?

When you look up at the night sky and see a particularly bright “star” next to the Moon, you might be curious about what celestial object is shining so brilliantly. Here’s a guide to help you understand what you might be seeing:

Celestial brightness is measured by magnitude, with lower numbers indicating brighter objects. While the Moon can outshine most other objects in the night sky due to its phases, certain nearby objects can rival its brightness depending on their proximity to Earth, size, and reflective properties.

Often, the bright “star” you see near the Moon is not actually a star but one of our neighbouring planets. Venus, for instance, is known as the Evening Star or Morning Star and shines brightly due to its thick cloud cover, which reflects about 70% of the sunlight it receives. Its brightness is due to its phase, similar to the Moon, and its proximity to Earth.

If it’s not a planet, Sirius, located in the constellation Canis Major, might be the source of the bright light. Known as the Dog Star, Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky with an apparent magnitude of -1.46 and is one of the closest stars to Earth at 8.6 light-years away. Its brightness is due to both its intrinsic luminosity and its relative closeness to our solar system.

Other stars like Arcturus and Capella, or planets such as Jupiter and Mars, can also appear bright under certain conditions. For instance, Jupiter, with its large size and reflective clouds, can be very bright, especially when it is in opposition to the Sun.

The Moon’s orbit brings it close to various stars and planets throughout the year. When these celestial bodies appear near the Moon, it is often because they lie close to the ecliptic—the apparent path the Sun follows across the sky, where you will also find the planets and the Moon.

As of September 2024, you might see Venus or Jupiter near the Moon due to their positions in the sky. Additionally, rare events such as a lunar occultation or a close planetary conjunction can create spectacular views where the “star” next to the Moon appears particularly bright.

Whether it’s Venus shining brightly, Sirius twinkling with exceptional brilliance, or another celestial body making its presence known, the star next to the Moon is usually a significant and interesting object. For the best viewing experience, watch astronomical calendars or apps for precise information on when and where to look for these stunning celestial displays. The night sky’s beauty is not just in its vastness but in the stories and science behind each glowing speck above.