Cosmic emoji: Venus, Saturn and Moon to form ‘Smiley Face’ in sky on April 25

Stargazers are in for a celestial treat this week as a rare triple conjunction involving Venus, Saturn, and the crescent moon is set to form a “smiley face” shape in the pre-dawn sky on April 25, according to NASA.

This alignment will occur near the eastern horizon just before sunrise, around 5:30 AM local time.

The phenomenon features bright Venus positioned higher in the sky, Saturn below it, and a thin crescent moon completing the triangle slightly to the north—creating a visual effect resembling a smiling face.

The conjunction will be visible to the naked eye in clear weather conditions and can be observed from most locations around the globe.

However, the viewing window is brief, as the sun rises roughly an hour later.

Mercury may also be visible slightly below the trio, though its low position on the horizon could make it harder to spot depending on local viewing conditions.

In astronomical terms, a conjunction occurs when celestial objects appear close together in the sky. When three objects align, it is known as a triple conjunction—a relatively rare and visually striking event.

NASA Solar System Ambassador Brenda Culbertson described the sight as “a triangle of bright objects that may look like a smiley face to some observers,” with the crescent moon forming the smile and the planets resembling eyes.

The spectacle follows closely on the heels of the Lyrid meteor shower, which peaks between 21 and 22 April. The meteor shower is expected to produce up to 15 meteors per hour in dark-sky areas, with minimal interference from the waning moon.

Astronomy enthusiasts are advised to seek a clear eastern horizon for optimal viewing of this unique planetary alignment.