Moon to veil Saturn in rare celestial event January 4th
Planetary occultations involving the Moon are rare astronomical events, especially when they involve Saturn, one of the more intriguing objects in the Solar System due to its spectacular rings.
A spectacular show is set to appear in the evening sky. This time, our natural satellite will pass in front of one of the gas giants with distinctive rings—Saturn, the sixth planet from the Sun. Observing this phenomenon through a telescope or binoculars is highly recommended, as the next opportunity won't occur for another 6 years, in April 2031.
The occultation of Saturn by the Moon - where and when?
The event will begin on January 4th around 12:40 PM Eastern Time and will last approximately an hour. According to an astronomy forum, Saturn will disappear behind the Moon's dark, invisible side and will reappear at its illuminated side.
The entire spectacle will unfold on the southwestern horizon as the Moon rises. Our satellite will be a few days into the new moon phase, so it won't overwhelm the view with its brightness.
Saturn, the sixth planet from the Sun and the second-largest in the Solar System, is second only to Jupiter in terms of size. Its most famous feature is its majestic rings, composed mainly of ice and rock. As a gas giant, Saturn does not have a solid surface, with hydrogen and helium as its main components. Events like the occultation by the Moon offer an exceptional opportunity to admire the fascinating intricacies of our cosmic neighbor.
