Waning Crescent Moon Passes Over Pleiades on 11 July

On the night of 11 July, the waning crescent moon will glide past the Pleiades star cluster (M45, the Seven Sisters) in the early hours, just before dawn. From London, a view east‑north‑east at 3 a.m. BST will show the moon moving along the same line of sight as the bright cluster. Astronomers note that the sky will begin to brighten as the day approaches, making a clear, low horizon essential for observers to spot the pairing of moon and cluster.

The Pleiades, a popular target for amateur astronomers, will appear as a tight grouping of stars that can be seen with the naked eye. The moon’s passage offers a brief moment when the crescent can be seen close to the cluster, creating a striking visual effect for those with binoculars or a telescope. Observers are advised to check local weather conditions and light‑pollution levels to maximize visibility of this celestial event.