Antares is a super giant red star and the 15th brightest star we see in the the Southern Hemisphere’s night sky. In the early hours of 15th January, the Moon will pass in front of Antares and the view should be spectacular, especially when the action starts.
When the Moon appears to move in front of another object in space like a star or a planet, this is called a lunar occultation and they can be exciting to watch. It’s easier to see a lunar occultation when the Moon is near its new phase and there is hardly any illuminated surface. It means the Moon isn’t so bright which makes it easier to see the object that’s disappearing behind it. Likewise, a lunar occultation is more spectacular if the Moon is passing in front of a brighter star or planet. You will get the full effect!
We’re lucky with this lunar occultation. The Moon is near its new phase and Antares is one of the brightest stars we see in our night sky.
From Perth, Antares will begin to be occulted by the Moon at 2.13am on 15th January, and will begin to reappear at 3.06am. It should be relatively easy to see the star disappear into the bright limb of the crescent Moon, so start watching from 2am to witness the full effect. You’ll gradually see the Moon appear to move closer to the star before blocking it from view completely. The reappearance will be easier to see as the star will reemerge from the non-illuminated side of the Moon.
This will look great through telescopes and binoculars if you have access.
Use the above image as a guide. Astronomical images provided by SkySafari, a Simulation Curriculum Company, All rights reserved www.simulationcurriculum.com.
When and where to look:
2am to 3.10am, 15th January above the south eastern horizon. These times are true for Perth in Western Australia. If you live elsewhere, the times may vary slightly or the occultation may not occur at all.
Something Interesting:
Lunar occultations happen frequently. Some look better to the naked-eye than others. In-the-sky.org has a page that lists lunar occultations. You can even add your location which will generate times for where you live.
The International Occultation Timing Association (IOTA) exists to encourage, promote and facilitate the observation of occultations and eclipses, as well as providing predictions for occultations of stars by the moon and occultations of stars by asteroids and planets. Check out the Trans Tasman Occultation Alliance (IOTA’s Australasian section) for info on occultation observing across New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific.