If you’re in Ottawa and love looking up at the night sky, mark your calendar for a special celestial event coming soon. On the morning of April 25, a rare “smiley face” will form in the sky — and you won’t need any fancy equipment to see it.
What’s Happening?
According to Brenda Culbertson, a NASA solar system ambassador, the planets Venus and Saturn will join with a thin crescent Moon to create a unique triangular formation. If you use a little imagination, this triangle will look like a smiley face floating above the eastern horizon just before sunrise.
- Venus will be the highest bright object.
- Saturn will sit lower and to the side.
- A thin crescent Moon will appear below these two, resembling a smile.
NASA also mentions that if you have a clear view of the horizon, you might spot Mercury
shining faintly below this trio.
When and Where to Watch in Ottawa
The best time to catch this cosmic smile is shortly before sunrise on April 25. In Ottawa, that means you’ll want to be looking east early in the morning, ideally between 5:30 AM and 6:30 AM. Since the window is short, plan ahead to be outside with a clear view of the eastern sky.
No Telescope Needed
The best part? You don’t need any special gear to see this. Just step outside, find a spot with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon, and look up. The bright planets and crescent Moon will do all the work.
Why You Should Watch
Events like this don’t happen often. It’s a simple but beautiful reminder of our place in the solar system—and a perfect excuse to spend some quiet moments appreciating the sky above Ottawa.
For more info on this event and other astronomical sights in April, check out NASA’s official website.
