The Night Sky Guy

Moon and Mars’ Rival Clash Today

Skywatchers across eastern North America will get to watch the bright Red Giant star Antares slip behind the dark side of the quarter Moon late this afternoon at around 4:30 pm EDT. The occultation event is best seen through binoculars or a small telescope – so as to counter the wash out effect from the daytime blue sky and bright Moon.  Illustration on right shows what this kind of close encounter between the Moon and a star looks like.

For those in the western half of the continent, the lead star of the constellation Scorpius will appear to just brush by the right side of the Moon. Detailed viewing time tables available here.  Let’s cross our fingers for clear skies.

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