A beautiful alignment of moon and planets will greet evening commuters and dog-walkers soon after sunset tonight if skies stay clear as forecast.

A thin crescent moon, with brilliant Venus at its upper right, will be joined by the ringed planet Saturn in the western sky. Star-like Saturn will become visible midway between the moon and Venus as the sunset fades and skies grow dark between 6: 30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The large upper portion of the moon's disk not directly illuminated by the sun might be dimly visible thanks to "Earthshine" -- sunlight reflected off the Earth and back onto the moon.

Pub Date: 3/19/99