Crescent Moon and Venus at Dawn across North America

Before sunrise on Monday – December 7, 2015 – people around the world will see the brightest and second-brightest celestial bodies of nighttime, the moon and Venus, shining close together during the predawn and dawn hours. The view from North America, Central America and the Caribbean will be especially spectacular, as the two brilliant beauties brush up together on the great dome of sky. From some parts of North America at Monday’s predawn, the moon will pass in front of Venus. Astronomers call this an occultation. The occultation is visible from the continental U.S., but only in daylight. However, December 7 is also a great time to try to see Venus in the daytime, either with binoculars or your unaided eye.