Skygazers in Southern and Eastern India are in for a treat on Thursday, July 25, as the moo꧅n will pass in front of Saturn, making the ringed planet disappear behind it and then reap🌳pear about an hour later.
This event, known as a lunar occultation, will be visible in cities like Bꦡengaluru, Mumbai, Bhubaneshwar, Kolkata, an𓆏d Guwahati, as well as in parts of China, Japan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.
According to Space.com, Saturn and the moon will be seen against the backdrop of the Aquarius constellation. People in eastern Africa, Madagascar, parts of India, northwest Indonesia, southeast Asia, China, and Mongolia will be able to witness th𝕴is phenomenon for a few hours.
In India, the event starts around 1:30 am on July 25 and lasts until about 2:25 am. It's a rare sight, happening roughly every 18 years due to Saturn's long orbit around the sun, a🎃s per reports.
As per Space.com, Saturn is bright because it’s approaching its annual opposition on September 8, when Earth will be directly between the sun and Saturn, making the planet appear at its best and bright🌟est.
What Is Lunar Occultation?
A lunar occultation t༺akes place when the moon moves in front of another celestial body, like a planet or star, hiding it from view temporarily. This event is safe to watch with🉐out any eye protection, unlike solar eclipses.
City-wise Timings In India
Bengaluru: Disappearance at 1:03 am; Reappearance at 2:09 am
Mumbai: Disappearanc🧔e at 1🅘:26 am; Reappearance at 1:49 am
Bhubaneshwar: Disappearance at 1:30 am; Reappeara𝓀nce at 2:38 am
Kolkata: Disappearance at 1:38 am; Reappearan🌼ce at♔ 2:46 am
Guwahati: Disappearance at 1:50 am; Reappearance at 2:56🌠🅷 am
