the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Skygazers, mark your calendars! On the evening of Monday, January 13, 2025, a rare celestial event will grace the night sky as the moon passes directly in front of Mars, temporarily obscuring the planet from view in an event known as a lunar occultation. This stunning phenomenon offers a unique opportunity for observers across much of North America to witness a cosmic alignment that happens, on average, once every 14 years at a specific location.
The Rare Occultation of Mars
The moon, just hours past its full “Wolf Moon” phase, will shine brightly as it crosses paths with Mars, which will be near its brightest for the year. Mars, glowing at magnitude -1.3, will rival the brightest star in the sky, Sirius. However, its brilliance will pale in comparison to the moon, which will be nearly 40,000 times brighter.
To see the precise moments when Mars disappears behind the moon and later reemerges, you’ll need a telescope or binoculars, as the planet’s light may be overwhelmed by the moon’s radiance.
When and Where to Watch
The occultation will be visible across most of the contiguous United States, as well as parts of central and eastern Canada. For a detailed viewing schedule tailored to your location, consult an online astronomy tool or app to pinpoint the exact times Mars will disappear and reappear.
If the skies are clear, observers should look for Mars’ bright, orange-yellow glow near the brilliant disk of the moon a few hours before or after the occultation. This glowing “companion” will surely catch the attention of those unaware of the event, perhaps prompting them to wonder about the “mysterious light” near the moon.
What You’ll Need
To fully enjoy this celestial spectacle:
- Telescope or Binoculars: These will help you observe the exact moments Mars vanishes and reappears.
- Clear Skies: Check your local weather forecast for optimal viewing conditions.
- Photography Equipment: Interested in capturing the event? Check out our guides on photographing planets and photographing the moon.
For beginner astrophotographers, we recommend the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ, a top pick for capturing night sky events.
Mars and the Moon: A Cosmic Coincidence
This occultation occurs just two days before Mars reaches its opposition on January 15, when it will be directly opposite the sun in the sky. This alignment brings Mars closer to Earth, making it appear larger and brighter. The combination of the Wolf Moon and Mars’ proximity creates a truly spectacular sight for stargazers.
Prepare for Questions and Curiosity
Don’t be surprised if this event sparks a buzz! Past lunar occultations have led to a surge of phone calls to local planetariums, weather offices, and even police stations from curious onlookers. Many people, unaware of the event, might mistake Mars for a UFO or drone as it hovers near the moon.
Conclusion
The January 13 lunar occultation of Mars is a must-see event for astronomy enthusiasts and casual stargazers alike. With the right tools and clear skies, you’ll witness a rare cosmic moment that won’t come around again for years.
Be sure to share this exciting event with friends and family so they don’t miss out on the moon and Mars’ celestial dance!