On the same day Mars reaches opposition, the Red Planet will disappear behind the Moon early tomorrow morning, December 8, in an event known as a lunar eclipse.
The lunar occultation of Mars will be visible from most of North America, northern Europe and northern Africa, and will be visible to the naked eye.
Grab your binoculars or a small telescope, though, and the view will be quite spectacular.
For the full picture, read Pete Lawrence’s fantastic guide to observing the lunar eclipse of Mars, or scroll down for quick tips on how to observe the event and information on how to watch it online.
Credit: Pete Lawrence
How to watch the lunar eclipse of Mars on December 8
Credit: Pete Lawrence
Our times below are for central UK, but your viewing location will affect the times slightly, varying by up to a few minutes.
This is because locations away from the center of the UK cause the Moon to appear in a slightly different position to Mars.
Start watching 20 minutes or more before the listed event time to make sure you don’t miss anything.
- From central UK, the disappearance starts at 04:57 UT
- It will take about 36 seconds for Mars to disappear completely
- The reappearance starts at 05:57 UT, the red planet also takes 34 seconds to reappear.
See Mars reappear from behind the Moon during the lunar eclipse. Credit: (c) 2010 Luis Argerich / Getty Images
Where to watch the occultation of Mars online
If it’s cloudy or you can’t see the lunar occultation of Mars in person, astronomers at the Carnegie Institution for Science and Mount Wilson Observatory will broadcast the event live.
Do all of the following:
Are you planning to observe or even photograph the lunar occultation of Mars? Let us know how it went by emailing contactus@skyatnightmagazine.com.