Starwatch: Mars gets a visit from the waning moon

Red planet will make an interesting triangle with the red giant stars Aldebaran and Betelgeuse

This week it is Mars's turn to receive a visit from the moon. After last week's full moon, Earth's natural satellite is now in its waning phases. It is rising later and later, with less and less of its visible surface illuminated.

When it meets Mars this week on 15 October, 74.8% of its visible surface will be illuminated by the sun. Mars will be its usual baleful red colour, and will make an interesting triangle with the red giant stars Aldebaran in Taurus, the bull, and Betelgeuse in Orion, the hunter.