Starwatch: a close meeting between the moon and Mars

From some high northern latitudes the moon will appear to pass in front of Mars, hiding the planet from view

The month begins with a well-situated meeting between the moon and Mars. The chart shows the view looking into the east-south-eastern sky from London at 2000 GMT on 9 February.

But you don't have to wait this long, because the pair will be visible from sunset, rising from the eastern horizon. The meeting will take place in the constellation of Gemini, the twins.