Title: Catch the Moon’s Final Dance with Pleiades this Year on July 20
Skywatchers, prepare to be enthralled as the moon performs its last ballet with the Pleiades star cluster this year on July 20, before sunrise. The moon’s crescent limb will weave a cosmic tapestry as it cloaks and uncovers stars from the iconic cluster, creating a mesmerizing spectacle for stargazers worldwide.
Known to many as the ‘Seven Sisters,’ Pleiades is an open star cluster located in the constellation of Taurus. It is easily visible from virtually every corner of the globe, making it one of the most recognized celestial landmarks. On July 20, the moon, in its waning crescent phase, will pass through this cluster, resulting in an awe-inspiring event known as a lunar occultation.
During this unique celestial event, the moon’s crescent limb will appear to gradually cover some stars in the Pleiades cluster before unveiling them again. The process of the moon ‘hiding’ these stars and then revealing them provides a breathtaking view for those who appreciate the artful dance of celestial bodies.
To enjoy this spectacle, observers need no special equipment. The event will be visible to the naked eye, although binoculars or a small telescope can enhance the experience, providing a closer look at the moon’s interaction with the Pleiades stars.
The time to witness this event will vary depending on your geographical location, with the general window being just before sunrise. The exact timing can be checked using various astronomy apps and websites, which provide real-time updates on celestial events.
This lunar occultation is not just an enticing show for stargazers but also an interesting event for scientists. Observations of such events provide valuable insights into the moon’s orbital path and the detailed structure of the Pleiades star cluster. This allows scientists to further their understanding of these celestial bodies and their interactions.
So, mark your calendars for July 20, and make sure to look up before sunrise. Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or just someone who appreciates the beauty of the night sky, this event is not to be missed. Witness the moon’s last dance with the Pleiades this year, a beautiful ballet of cosmic proportions, as it weaves across the cluster, cloaking and revealing the stars in a show of celestial hide-and-seek.
Remember, there’s a whole universe out there, filled with mysteries and wonders waiting to be discovered. And sometimes, all it takes to explore it is to simply look up.
Read more from the original source here: https://www.space.com/stargazing/see-the-moon-cross-the-pleiades-for-the-last-time-this-year-on-july-20.