The moon returns to the evening sky this week as a slim waxing crescent.

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Each Monday, I pick out North America’s celestial highlights for the week ahead (which also apply to mid-northern latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere). Check my main feed for more in-depth articles on stargazing, astronomy, eclipses and more.

The Night Sky This Week: Nov. 24-30, 2025

The moon returns to the evening sky this week as a slim waxing crescent, a fabulous sight just after sunset to kickstart a stargazing session. For early risers, there’s a fleeting rendezvous between Venus and Mercury, while Saturn and Jupiter shine brightly in the evening sky. Here’s everything you need to know about stargazing and astronomy this week.

Monday, Nov. 24: Crescent Moon

Look southwest after sunset for a 17%-lit crescent moon glowing delicately in twilight. The dark side of the moon will be faintly lit by “Earthshine” — sunlight reflected from Earth’s clouds and oceans.

Tuesday, Nov. 25: Venus And Mercury

Before sunrise, tiny Mercury makes a rare, naked-eye appearance in the east-southeast, shining just above brilliant Venus. Mercury is far dimmer, so you’ll need a clear horizon and sharp eyes — or binoculars — to pick it out. This marks the start of Mercury’s best morning apparition of the year, which lasts through early December.

Friday, Nov. 28: First Quarter Moon

Our natural satellite tonight reaches its First Quarter phase, appearing half-lit and high in the sky after sunset. This phase is ideal for viewing lunar features like craters and mountains through binoculars or telescopes, since the shadows cast near the terminator (the line between light and dark) reveal dramatic detail. However, a First Quarter moon also marks the point where bright moonlight makes stargazing difficult until after the full moon next week.

Saturday, Nov. 29: Moon Meets Saturn

As twilight fades, a bright 66%-lit waxing gibbous moon will shine just above Saturn in the southern sky. The ringed planet is past its bright September opposition but remains easy to spot with the naked eye, while Jupiter rises in the east later in the night, preparing for its bright opposition in January.

Sunday, Nov. 30: Mercury At Its Peak

About 30 minutes before sunrise, Mercury climbs higher in the pre-dawn sky, reaching the peak of its current apparition. For the next week, it will become even easier to spot, outshining all surrounding stars. You’ll also see Venus, now lower on the horizon with each passing morning.

The times and dates given apply to mid-northern latitudes. For the most accurate location-specific information, consult online planetariums like Stellarium.

Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.