On the evening of Wednesday, December 7, 2022, most Americans in addition to Canada, Europe, and North Africa, will be able to experience a rare astronomical event in which the moon passes in front of another planet, mars, and utterly masks it from view. You’ll be able to witness the entire thing, as long as these skies clear up before then! The timing is perfect, as ironically today marks the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 17 mission launch.
You can anticipate catching the rare lunar occultation in Boston at precisely 11:01 PM ET on Wednesday, December 7!
Tonight’s full December moon will pass over mars and can be viewed from almost all over the country. Mars, which is usually one of the farthest planets from the earth, will be much close tonight and practically graze the moon in orbit! NASA recently explained the location of mars relative to other planets:
During opposition, Mars and the sun are on directly opposite sides of Earth, NASA explains. “From our perspective on our spinning world, Mars rises in the east just as the sun sets in the west. Then, after staying up in the sky the entire night, Mars sets in the west just as the sun rises in the east. Since Mars and the sun appear on opposite sides of the sky, we say that Mars is in ‘opposition.
There is so much stargazing to do this beautiful December! On Christmas Day it is anticipated that all of the planets will be visible in the night sky. And if you’re one for night lights, why not enjoy some holiday lights to fuel the festivities!?