Connect with us

Published

on

A celestial event will unfold on January 13, 2025, when the full moon will obscure Mars for nearly four hours. This phenomenon, known as a lunar occultation, will coincide with Mars reaching opposition, where it aligns directly opposite the Sun as viewed from Earth. During this period, Mars will appear at its brightest and closest to Earth in 2025. Skywatchers across the United States, parts of Canada, Mexico, and regions of Western Africa will have the opportunity to witness this rare occurrence.

Event Details and Viewing Recommendations

According to reports, Mars will vanish behind the moon’s edge at approximately 8:44 p.m. EST and reappear around 12:52 a.m. EST the following day. The event will be visible in most parts of the mainland United States, some areas of Canada, Mexico and Western Africa, though the exact timing may vary depending on your location. Those interested in observing are encouraged to choose spots with minimal light pollution and allow time for their eyes to adjust to the dark.

Optimal Equipment for Observing

The Red Planet, described by astronomers as glowing with a golden tint, can be seen with the naked eye during the event. For a closer and more detailed view, high-powered binoculars or telescopes are recommended. These tools may reveal Mars’ red hues, its northern polar ice cap, and geological features like Valles Marineris, the solar system’s largest canyon. This canyon spans approximately 3,000 kilometres in length and reaches depths three times greater than the Grand Canyon.

Significance and Future Occurrences

This is reported to be the only lunar occultation of Mars observable from the United States this year. Following this, a similar event will take place in February, visible from parts of Scandinavia, Russia, and Asia. After 2025, the next easily viewable occultation for U.S.-based observers will not occur until 2042. The rare alignment makes this event particularly significant for astronomy enthusiasts and casual stargazers alike.

Continue Reading

Science

Scientists Discover New Seismic Clue to Predict Mount Etna Eruptions

Published

on

By

Scientists studying Mount Etna have found that changes in the “b-value” ratio of earthquakes can signal magma movement before eruptions. Using nearly 20 years of data, this discovery could enhance volcanic early warning systems globally, potentially saving lives in regions near active volcanoes.

Continue Reading

Science

SpaceX Launches 10,000th Starlink Satellite, Sets New Annual Record

Published

on

By

SpaceX reached a new milestone by launching its 10,000th Starlink satellite aboard a Falcon 9 rocket on October 19, 2025. The record-setting 132nd launch of the year underscores Starlink’s rapid growth, expanding global internet coverage and strengthening its role as the world’s largest satellite constellation.

Continue Reading

Science

NASA and ESA Trace Mysterious Lunar Flashes to Meteors and Gas Leaks

Published

on

By

Transient Lunar Phenomena are mysterious bursts and glows observed on the Moon, lasting from milliseconds to hours. NASA and ESA research show that these events often result from meteoroid impacts, radon gas outgassing, and dust charged by solar wind, illuminating the Moon’s dynamic surface in surprising ways.

Continue Reading

Trending