A striking celestial event will light up the night sky over Qatar and neighbouring countries shortly after midnight and into the early hours of January 11.
Spica (Alpha Virginis), often called the “lonely star”, will appear in conjunction with the Moon, creating a beautiful sight visible to the naked eye.
Head of the Qatar Astronomical Center, Sheikh Salman bin Jabor Al-Thani, said:
“Tonight, the lonely Spica star will be in conjunction with the Moon, in a beautiful sight visible to the naked eye after midnight.”
Spica is one of the brightest stars in the constellation Virgo and is among the ancient navigational stars known for its intense brightness. The star is located around 250 light-years from Earth.
Skywatchers are advised to look towards the eastern horizon after midnight for the best view.
