Social media really loves to spread its tall tales when it comes to night sky watching. But sometimes, there’s a kernel of cosmic truth in there.
That’s the case with this week’s rare “Smiley Face Moon” that’s been creating a buzz. People have been looking forward to April 25, when two bright “stars” are supposed to form the eyes of a smiling face, while a thin crescent moon will look like the face’s grin in the pre-dawn sky.
Skywatching experts have dubbed it a social-sharing hoax, saying this triple conjunction happening in our early-morning sky on Thursday and Friday won’t really look like a classic smiley face sticker, like our internet friends have lead us to believe.
Sky chart showing the eastern sky 45 minutes before sunrise on April 24, with Venus, Saturn and the crescent Moon forming a grouping low in the sky. Mercury might also be visible for those with a completely clear view to the horizon.Photo provided by NASA and NASA/JPL-Caltech
But will there be something to see that is kind of cool? You bet. Here’s what we’ll see, according to NASA:
“Around April 24th and 25th, you’ll find Venus, Saturn, and the crescent moon gathered low in the east as dawn warms up the morning sky. Those with a clear view to the horizon might also pick out Mercury looking bright, but very low in the sky.”
So the bright “stars” people are talking about as “eyes” will actually be two planets: Saturn and Venus, with the crescent of the moon lying on its side near the horizon.
EarthSky did a great explainer on what you’ll actually see overhead on Thursday and Friday mornings:
“While there will be a crescent moon in the sky before dawn on April 25 with two bright planets nearby, it won’t be nearly as dramatic as some images suggest,” EarthSky said.
“There are two big differences between reality and the image that’s circulating. One, the two planets that make up the ‘eyes’ of the smiley face have vastly different brightnesses. And, two, the ‘smiley face’ will be lying on its side.”
The bottom line: “About 30 minutes before sunrise on April 25, 2025, the thin waning crescent moon will form a triangle with brilliant Venus and the much dimmer Saturn. Mercury will lie near the horizon and might be difficult to spot.”