Venus will disappear behind the moon for about an hour on 9 November for viewers in several parts of the world. It’s a rare event known as a lunar occultation of Venus and will be visible from most of Europe, the western part of Russia, as well as Greenland and some of northern Africa and western Asia. For everyone else, the two bodies will just pass close by each other.
What time is it happening?
The occultation will happen during the daytime, with the exact timing varying depending on location. In London, it is due to begin around 9:45 am, around 10:50 am local time in Paris, and around 10:26 am in Tromsø in Norway. Online tools like Stellarium and In The Sky can be used to check exactly when the occultation will start in your location.
How to see this event
The best way to view it is to find Venus about 20 minutes before the time the occultation will start. Venus will be visible near the moon, which will be a small crescent, just 15% illuminated, just below the moon and to the left. Because it’s during the day, it might be easier to find Venus using binoculars or a small telescope. But remember, whenever using such devices in the daytime, be sure not to look anywhere near the sun. Once you have found the planet, you can watch as it moves towards the moon and, eventually, passes behind it. About an hour later, Venus will reappear on the other side of the moon, slightly higher in the sky than when it disappeared.
When will the next lunar occultation of Venus happen?
Lunar occultations of Venus are rare, and each one is only visible from certain parts of the world due to a phenomenon called parallax. The next one will be in April 2024, chiefly visible from parts of North America, with another one visible again from Europe in September 2025. The earliest recorded lunar occultation of Venus was in July 1476.
Insights:
Lunar occultations are a rare and unique event that offers a captivating view of Venus disappearing behind the moon. These occurrences are a result of the moon passing between Earth and Venus, creating fascinating celestial events visible only from specific parts of the world. The rarity of these events, combined with the need for precise timing and location, makes them a special spectacle for astronomy enthusiasts.
