Sat Jun 14 16:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Red Planet to Cozy Up to ‘Lion’s Heart’ Star This Month

**Stargazers are in for a treat this June as Mars makes a close pass to the bright star Regulus, also known as the “lion’s heart,” in the constellation Leo.**

Starting June 12th, skywatchers will be able to observe the Red Planet gradually approach Regulus in the evening twilight. The best viewing window to see the celestial dance will be between June 15th and 18th, around 11 PM BST (10 PM UT), when both Mars and Regulus will be visible approximately 15 degrees above the western horizon.

Pete Lawrence from *Sky at Night* magazine highlights the key timings, noting that on the evening of June 15th, the two objects will be separated by just 1.2 degrees. The gap will narrow further to 52 arcminutes on June 16th, and then 45 arcminutes on June 17th. Despite this close proximity, remember that you could still fit approximately 1.5 full Moons between them. By June 18th, the distance will begin to widen again, with Mars and Regulus separating to 1 degree.

While Mars will be slightly dimmer than Regulus during their close encounter (Mars at magnitude +1.4, Regulus at magnitude +1.3), the spectacle offers a unique opportunity to witness a conjunction. These apparent meetings occur because both Mars and Regulus lie near the ecliptic, the Sun’s apparent path across the sky. This path is a result of all the planets in our solar system having formed from the same dusty disc surrounding our newborn star, creating a visual alignment from our perspective on Earth.

The show doesn’t end there! On June 29th, a 22%-lit waxing crescent Moon will join the party, positioned between Mars and Regulus, adding another layer of beauty to the night sky.

Observers are encouraged to try to spot Mars and Regulus with the naked eye and then use binoculars for a closer view. Always remember to wait until the sun has fully set before using binoculars to avoid potential eye damage.

If you capture the meeting of Mars and Regulus, share your images with *Sky at Night* magazine via contactus@skyatnightmagazine.com!

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