Early risers have a beautiful sight to look forward to this week as brilliant Venus joins the waning crescent moon and the star Spica in the morning sky.
Early risers can observe a celestial alignment this week as Venus joins a waning crescent moon and the star Spica in the morning sky.
Venus serves as the easiest object to identify in the alignment by shining brilliantly, while the tiny sliver of the waning moon completes the tableau.
The three objects form a striking grouping low above the horizon, requiring observers to find a clear view toward the east-south-east.
The grouping remains visible from the southern hemisphere, where Venus, the moon and Spica appear higher in the eastern sky before sunrise.
The chart shows the view looking east-south-east from London at 0600 GMT on 7 November.
On this morning, the moon will be just two days away from new, with only 4% of its Earth-facing disc illuminated.
The three objects will form a striking grouping low above the horizon, so you will need a clear view towards the east-south-east to appreciate the spectacle.
The grouping will also be visible from the southern hemisphere, where Venus, the moon and Spica will appear higher in the eastern sky before sunrise.
Venus will be the easiest object to identify, shining brilliantly.