Overview
- The tight formation, which peaked before sunrise Thursday, sat low over the eastern horizon and faded fast in the dawn glow.
- Best views came about 45 minutes before sunrise, with all three objects under roughly 20 degrees high, so a clear, flat eastern horizon was key.
- The Moon appeared as a very thin waning crescent at about 8% illumination, marking the final days before the new phase on May 16.
- Experts urged viewers to avoid telescopes or binoculars near sunrise to prevent eye injury from an accidental look at the Sun.
- The new moon will darken evening skies, setting up easier views as bright Venus moves closer to Jupiter for a close pairing in early June.