When And Where To See A Spectacular Smiley Face In The Sky Tonight

Published: Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 4:07 pm

Catch the Cosmic Smiley Face in the Sky on May 29, 2025!

Get ready for a celestial treat! On **Thursday, May 29, 2025**, after sunset, skywatchers in North America can witness a stunning "smiley face" formation in the northwestern sky. This unique astronomical event is created by a **waxing crescent moon** paired with the bright stars **Castor and Pollux**, forming the "eyes" and "mouth" of the cosmic grin.

The best time to spot this celestial smiley is approximately **45 minutes after sunset**. Be quick, though! The show is fleeting. The moon, acting as the smiley's mouth, will dip below the horizon within about 90 minutes, followed by Castor and Pollux.

To find it, look **west-northwest** shortly after sunset. The crescent moon, only 12% illuminated, will be positioned below the two bright stars. This is a beautiful sight, easily visible with the naked eye, but binoculars can enhance the experience.

Beyond the smiley face, the crescent moon itself offers a fascinating view. Look closely at the darker side, and you might catch a glimpse of "Earthshine," sunlight reflected off Earth's ice caps, clouds, and oceans. Scientists are observing that Earthshine is becoming dimmer due to the climate crisis.

Don't miss this chance to witness a unique astronomical event! Mark your calendars for May 29, 2025, and prepare for a delightful evening under the stars.

Keywords: smiley face, night sky, astronomy, crescent moon, Castor, Pollux, Gemini, May 29 2025, waxing crescent moon, Earthshine, celestial event, stargazing, North America, sunset, western sky, where to see, how to see, space, stars, moon

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