At around 6 a.m. on March 8, 2024, a rare astronomical spectacle will be staged in the southeastern sky: Venus, Mars, and a thin waning moon. If you are interested in astronomical phenomena and are able to wake up early, this is an observation opportunity not to be missed.
During this period, Venus and Mars appear low in the southeast, just before sunrise. Venus will shine at a magnitude of about -3magnitude 8, while the brightness of Mars is about 12 etc. These two planets form a beautiful triangle in the sky with the waning moon. Since this view takes place before dawn and the sky is not yet fully lit up, the viewing time is very short. If you want to observe this sight, it is recommended that you prepare well in advance and get up early to make sure you don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
When making observations, you can use binoculars or a small astronomical telescope to help distinguish the three objects. Venus is usually easy to spot due to its bright features. Once you find Venus, you can use it as a reference to find Mars and the waning moon a little above it.
This astronomical landscape of "double stars with the moon" is not only a good opportunity to observe Venus and Mars, but also a moment to appreciate the beautiful posture of the waning moon. Since Venus is seen as the embodiment of love and beauty in Western culture, and the Moon is often associated with Chang'e in Chinese culture, observing this landscape on International Women's Day is not only visually pleasing, but also particularly symbolic.