A rare celestial event will captivate stargazers as the first full moon of 2025, known as the Wolf Moon, passes in front of the planet Mars.
This phenomenon, termed a lunar occultation, occurs when the moon obscures a brighter celestial body, temporarily hiding it from view.
This lunar occultation is a rare spectacle; observers in specific locations can only expect to witness this event once every 14 years.
The moon will be just hours past its full phase, officially reaching fullness at 3:57â¯am IST.
At this time, Mars will shine at its brightest for the year, glowing at a magnitude of -1.3, making it nearly as prominent as the brightest star in the night sky, Sirius.
The visibility zone encompasses nearly all of the contiguous United States and parts of central and eastern Canada, providing a prime opportunity for many to experience this astronomical occurrence
Coincidentally, Mars is also positioned opposite the sun, nearing its own moment of opposition on January 15.
To catch a glimpse of Mars disappearing and later reappearing from behind the moon, observers are encouraged to use telescopes or binoculars for enhanced visibility.
For those without such equipment, Mars will still be easily visible with the naked eye before and after the occultation.
The event is expected to unfold over approximately an hour, with timings varying by location. In Washington D.C., for example, Mars will begin to be obscured at around 6:21 PM EST, while viewers in Montreal can expect it to start at 6:25 PM EST.
Stargazers are advised to check local weather conditions and prepare for a night of celestial magic as they witness the moon's enchanting dance with Mars
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