A Rare Astronomical Event: Mars to Disappear Behind the Moon on January 14th

On January 14, 2025, a rare celestial event will occur as Mars will disappear behind the Moon in a phenomenon known as an "occultation." Simultaneously, Mars will reach its "opposition," making it the closest it will be to Earth. This alignment will cause Mars to appear at its largest and brightest.

This event will be visible to residents of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and parts of West Africa. For the best viewing experience, it is recommended to go to dark locations, away from artificial lights, to observe the event in its clearest form. Viewers can also use the website In-the-Sky to find a detailed timeline based on their geographic location.

On the evening of January 14, the Moon will be full, and Mars will appear to move closer to it, with the two aligned in the sky at 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST). Mars will disappear behind the lower edge of the Moon at 1:44 AM UTC, only to reappear from the upper edge at 5:52 AM UTC.

The event will be visible to the naked eye, with Mars shining in its distinct golden hue. However, using a strong pair of binoculars or a telescope will provide a clearer view of Mars as it passes near the Moon’s edge, revealing features such as its characteristic red color and the Moon’s craters. With a powerful telescope, you might also catch a glimpse of Mars' icy northern pole and the Valles Marineris, the largest canyon system in the solar system.