Starwatch: red star Antares makes striking winter appearance

There is a chance for early risers to see the silver moon next to the deep red star Antares. On the morning of 24 February, the view looked south from London.

The moon will be low in the sky with an altitude of just 12 degrees, so find the clearest southern horizon that you can. At its last quarter phase, the moon will become a waning crescent with 46.8% of its visible surface illuminated.

In the summer months in the northern hemisphere, viewing ants can be seen in the evening sky. In the stiller winter air, twinkling decreases and ants can take on a beautiful appearance.

Its name is Greek for "rival of Mars" and is known in Greek as Ares. It is a giant star. It would cover everything beyond Mars if it were possible to replace the sun.

The conjunction occurs in the eastern sky from the southern hemisphere. On 27 February, the moon will be close to Venus and Mars in the early hours of the morning.