Mars eclipsed by the moon. The shining star Regulus will be covered by the complete moon on Feb. 2(Image credit: Getty Images)ShareShare by:
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Sky observers located in eastern North America will witness a truly unique event in the nighttime firmament this coming weekend: a radiant star being hidden by the entire “Snow Moon.”
After reaching fullness on Sunday (Feb. 1), the luminous moon will traverse across Regulus, the most brilliant star within the Leo constellation, momentarily causing it to disappear from view Monday night (Feb. 2). Celestial enthusiasts are in for a special treat as this uncommon spectacle, referred to as a lunar occultation, will be observable with the unaided eye across vast areas of the U.S. and Canada.
It signifies the latest occurrence in a series of Regulus lunar occultations that commenced the prior year and will endure through the present year; however, it remains the singular event among these disappearances readily visible to watchers in North America. The prime viewing points encompass the eastern portion of North America — spanning from the Midwest towards the East Coast, including eastern Canada — situated a few hours following nightfall, alongside regions in northwest and west Africa.
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Viewers will observe Regulus — ranked as the 21st most luminous star within the nighttime panorama — disappear behind the moon before reappearing approximately an hour afterward, although the exact details such as visibility, timing, and duration, will hinge upon the specific viewing location.
In metropolises such as New York, Toronto and Boston, this occurrence is projected to unfold between 8:40 p.m. and 10:05 p.m. EST. As an illustration, within New York City, Regulus is anticipated to vanish at 8:51 p.m., remerging at 9:54 p.m. EST, according to In-The-Sky.org. Progression westward corresponds to a diminishing altitude of the occultation within the skyline, occurring earlier into the night; nonetheless, this specific event shall be imperceptible from the western half of North America.
Although discernment of this event is feasible to the unaided eye, the pivotal instances — inception and termination of the occultation — will possess heightened impact aided by minor magnification, for instance, via a set of stargazing binoculars or deployment of a compact telescope directed at the moon. The starting point of ingress, the moment at which Regulus adjoins the illuminated perimeter of the moon before being concealed, stands as a key attraction. Following its interim obscurity, it shall resurface along the opposing flank of the glowing moon — an occurrence denoted as egress.
The subsequent significant lunar occultation — an occultation concerning Venus scheduled for June 17 — coincides with daylight hours across North America and will consequently be invisible. Ensure you witness the disappearance of Regulus this weekend for a seldom seen lunar spectacle.
Jamie CarterSocial Links NavigationLive Science contributor
Jamie Carter serves as a Cardiff, U.K.-based independent science reporter, regularly contributing to Live Science. He authored A Stargazing Program For Beginners and co-authored The Eclipse Effect, in addition to leading global stargazing and eclipse-chasing excursions. His publications consistently appear in Space.com, Forbes, New Scientist, BBC Sky at Night, Sky & Telescope, alongside other leading science and astronomy periodicals. He presides as the editor of WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com, as well.
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