Skywatchers are in for a special treat this evening. On Saturday, September 13, 2025, the brilliant red planet Mars will shine side by side with Spica, the brightest star in the constellation Virgo. This eye-catching pairing will be visible low in the western sky shortly after sunset, giving viewers a rare chance to see two very different celestial objects glowing together.
Mars is well known for its rusty red color, which comes from iron oxide (rust) on its surface. Spica, on the other hand, is a hot blue-white star located about 250 light-years from Earth. It is more than 20,000 times brighter than our Sun and is actually a binary system two stars orbiting each other so closely that they appear as one point of light to the naked eye. The contrast of red Mars next to blue Spica makes tonight’s view both colorful and memorable.
To find them, look west about 20–30 minutes after sunset. Mars will be less than 10 degrees above the horizon. A simple trick for measuring is to stretch out your arm and hold your clenched fist against the sky that covers about 10 degrees. Just below and slightly to the left of Mars, you’ll spot Spica twinkling brightly.
Because both Mars and Spica will set a little more than an hour after the Sun, the viewing window is short. To get the best view, try to find a location with an unobstructed view of the western horizon, such as a rooftop, hill, or open field. A pair of binoculars or a small telescope will make the colors pop even more, but the event is easily visible with the naked eye.
This close approach is also a reminder of how dynamic our sky is. While Mars orbits the Sun once every 687 days, Spica remains fixed in its place far beyond our solar system. Occasionally, from our point of view on Earth, Mars passes near Spica in the sky creating these beautiful alignments that stargazers look forward to.
For those who enjoy constellation spotting, look a bit higher up after sunset and you may catch the faint outline of Virgo, with Spica marking its brightest star. Seeing Mars glowing alongside this constellation adds to the celestial charm of tonight’s display.
So don’t miss the chance tonight. Step outside after sunset, look toward the west, and witness the brilliant contrast of fiery Mars and sparkling Spica before they dip below the horizon. Events like these remind us of the beauty of the night sky and how much there is to explore even with just our own eyes.