Starwatch: Waning crescent moon and bright star Spica offer early birds a treat

The moon will have just 14% of its visible surface illuminated and Spica will be shining a brilliant white light

On these cold wintry mornings it can often take a lot of effort or the promise of something good to drag us out of bed. On 27 November, nature will provide a beautiful sight that will reward the early risers: an exquisitely thin waning crescent moon will be sitting next to the bright star of Spica.

Spica is the 16th brightest star in the entire night sky and the brightest star in its constellation of Virgo, the virgin. The moon will have just 14% of its visible surface illuminated, and Spica will be shining a brilliant white light.