Get ready for a celestial spectacle that’s both breathtaking and a bit controversial! On Tuesday, February 10, the Moon is about to cozy up to Antares, the fiery red heart of Scorpius—but here’s where it gets tricky: will you catch them together before they dip below the horizon? This event is a must-see for skywatchers, but timing is everything. Let’s dive into the details and explore why this pairing sparks debate among astronomers and stargazers alike.
The Moon’s Midnight Rendezvous with Antares
As the waning Moon glides through Scorpius before dawn on February 10, it’s on a collision course—well, almost—with Antares, the bright red giant star that defines the Scorpion’s sting. By 11 P.M. EST, the Moon will pass just 0.7° south of Antares, but there’s a catch: both will already be below the horizon for most observers. And this is the part most people miss: while the Moon and Antares won’t be visible together in the night sky, their close approach is still a fascinating event to track. But does it count as a true celestial meetup if you can’t see it? That’s where the controversy begins—let us know your thoughts in the comments!
A Hidden Gem: NGC 6144
While you’re scanning this region of the sky, don’t forget to point your telescope toward Antares itself. Just 0.6° northwest of this magnitude 1.1 star lies the globular cluster NGC 6144. Here’s the challenge: Antares is so dazzling that NGC 6144 can get lost in its glow. To spot the cluster, you’ll need to zoom in—either by adjusting your view to exclude Antares or by switching to higher magnification. NGC 6144, a sprawling cluster nearly 30,000 light-years away, spans just under 10 arcminutes. Its densely packed core is tough to resolve in smaller telescopes, but you might spot individual stars shimmering around its edges. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is NGC 6144 worth the effort when Antares steals the show? Some astronomers say yes, arguing its subtle beauty rewards patience. Others? Not so much. What’s your take?
Skywatching Tips for February 10
- Moon Phase: Waning crescent (35% illuminated)
- Key Times (40° N 90° W): Sunrise at 6:59 A.M., Sunset at 5:30 P.M., Moonrise at 2:00 A.M., Moonset at 11:05 A.M.
- Pro Tip: If you miss the Moon-Antares pairing, don’t worry! The Moon will be visible near the 3rd-magnitude star Pi (π) Scorpii earlier in the night, offering another stunning view.
Looking Ahead: More Sky Events This Week
If you’re craving more celestial action, check out our full Sky This Week column (https://www.astronomy.com/observing/the-sky-this-week-from-february-6-to-13-2026/) for a complete guide to February’s highlights. And don’t forget: on February 9, the Moon reaches its Last Quarter phase (https://www.astronomy.com/observing/the-sky-today-monday-february-9-2026/), marking another prime opportunity for moonlit observations.
Final Thought: Is Less More in Astronomy?
The Moon’s close pass with Antares raises a bigger question: Do celestial events need to be visible to be meaningful? After all, many astronomical phenomena—like gravitational waves or distant exoplanets—are detected but never seen. Does the act of observing make an event ‘real,’ or is there value in knowing something exists, even if it’s hidden from view? Share your perspective below—we’d love to hear how you balance the seen and unseen in your stargazing adventures!
