Mars and the Moon to align in California’s skies: Here’s when to look up

On July 28, Mars and the crescent Moon will appear arm-in-arm in the western sky—a fleeting twilight rendezvous you can see with your naked eyes.

Watch as Mars glows like a fiery ember beside the Moon’s cool crescent—an elegant pairing of cosmic opposites lighting up the dusk.

They’re millions of kilometers apart, but for one evening, the Moon and Mars will seem close enough to touch. That’s the magic of a conjunction.

This show begins 45 minutes after sunset. Look west. No telescope. No ticket. Just you, the sky, and two worlds dancing above LA.

In a world of screens and schedules, this is your reminder: the most breathtaking theater is still in the sky—and it’s free, silent, and fleeting.

Silhouettes, tripods, and smartphones: frame this rare encounter against palm trees, cliffs, or coastlines for a jaw-dropping celestial shot.

This Moon–Mars meetup is more than pretty—it’s a visual key to understanding how planets move, align, and perform their silent orbital ballet.

You won’t need special gear to spot the Red Planet—its rust-colored glow will stand out even in LA’s light-polluted skies.

This isn’t a weeklong event. Blink and you’ll miss it. On July 28, step outside—and let the sky surprise you.