Stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts will have the chance to see a rare celestial event later this week.

 

On Thursday and Friday morning, Venus and Saturn will align with the crescent moon to create what will look like a smiley face in the sky. According to NASA, the two planets and the moon will appear low on the horizon in the eastern sky. Venus has recently made the switch from an evening star to a morning star, which will allow for the alignment.

 

The best time for viewing will be 45 to 30 minutes before sunrise on Thursday and Friday. Those with a clear view of the horizon may also be able to see the planet Mercury very low, but bright in the morning sky.

 

The celestial event comes just after the peak of the Lyrids meteor shower, which will still be producing some shooting stars by the end of the week.

 

The next meteor shower will be the Aquariids on May 5 and 6.