Moon to Occult Jupiter
Skywatchers in the US and eastern Canada can see a rare lunar occultation of Jupiter on October 6. The event will be visible in complete darkness across the eastern and central US as well as adjacent southern Canada.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
A rare celestial event will occur on October 6, when the moon passes in front of Jupiter, an event known as an occultation. The moon, a 20%-illuminated crescent, will rise in the east at around 2:30 a.m. local daylight time with Jupiter shining close by its sunlit side.
As the pair rises higher in the sky, the moon will slowly draw closer to the planet. Observers in the eastern and central US will then see Jupiter disappear behind the moon's bright limb. The planet will reappear from behind the moon's dark eastern limb approximately an hour later.
The occultation will be visible in darkness across most of the eastern and central US and parts of southern Canada. Eastern New York State, New England, and Atlantic Canada will be particularly favored with the moon around 20° high when it covers Jupiter.
The event can be viewed with or without optical aid, such as binoculars or a telescope. The waning crescent moon will occult Jupiter starting at 4:20 a.m. EDT and the giant planet will reappear at 5:24 a.m.
Viewers can also look for earthshine on the moon during the event. Earthshine is the reflection of sunlight on the Earth's surface that illuminates the moon's dark side.
The occultation of Jupiter by the moon is a relatively rare event, and this will be the best Jupiter occultation for North America since 2004. The next similar event will not occur for 11 years.
Greg Redfern recommends checking out other celestial events in October and following his daily blog for the latest news in astronomy and space exploration.
Key facts
- The moon will occult Jupiter on October 6
- The event will be visible in the eastern and central US and parts of southern Canada
- The occultation will start at 4:20 a.m. EDT and Jupiter will reappear at 5:24 a.m.
- The event can be viewed with or without optical aid
Three perspectives
Neutral
The lunar occultation of Jupiter is a rare celestial event that offers a unique viewing opportunity for skywatchers. The event is expected to be visible in complete darkness across the eastern and central US. Viewers can look forward to witnessing the disappearance and reappearance of Jupiter behind the moon.
Positive
The occultation of Jupiter by the moon is a spectacular event that will allow viewers to see the giant planet up close. The event is a great opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts to observe the celestial bodies and take photos or videos. The rarity of the event makes it a special experience for those who witness it.
Negative
The occultation of Jupiter by the moon may be difficult to view for some people, especially those in areas with limited visibility. The event requires a clear view of the eastern horizon, which may be obstructed by buildings or trees. Additionally, the event occurs in the early morning hours, which may make it difficult for some people to stay awake and view it.
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