Jupiter to Disappear Behind Moon on October 6

The waning crescent moon, illuminated at just 20 percent, will appear in the east and northeast on Tuesday, October 6. This lunar phase is slightly more than four days away from the new moon stage. During this time, the bright planet Jupiter will shine near the sunlit edge of the moon. As this pair ascends into the sky, the moon will gradually move closer to Jupiter.

Details of the occultation

Observers will see Jupiter disappear behind the illuminated limb of the moon. The planet will reappear approximately one hour later from behind the dark limb, which is faintly lit by earthshine. Unlike stars, whose light seems to vanish instantly or appear abruptly, the disappearance and reappearance of Jupiter will take nearly a minute. This duration occurs as the moon's edge moves across the disk of the giant planet, which has an apparent diameter equal to one-eighth that of the moon.

How to observe the event

To view Jupiter vanishing behind the bright crescent moon, observers need binoculars or, if possible, a telescope. However, the planet's reappearance will be visible to the naked eye. Using optical aids provides a more spectacular view, making this the most distinctive part of the celestial display.