I've been waiting all year for this apparition!
(OK, I've only been waiting a month and a half)
The perfect conjunction of Mars with the Trifid and Lagoon nebulae! All objects are at the same Right Ascension (18hr3min).
The Ecliptic passes directly between the two nebulae and Mars is only a fraction of a degree South of the Ecliptic. What a sight!
Tomorrow the Crescent Moon joins the party. I wish all my friends in North America clear skies for the Moon's occultation of Mars!