As the moon rises on Jan. 13, you may notice a bright light glowing below it — the red planet, Mars. The two celestial bodies will stage a cosmic show starting around 5:50 p.m. as Mars slips behind the moon and vanishes from view for about an hour. In astronomical terms, you’ll be witnessing an occultation. Because of the moon’s proximity to Earth, it will hide Mars from only part of our planet. Here in the Coachella Valley, we’ll have a front-row seat to the disappearing act. Mars will reemerge just after 6:45 p.m. For the best view, use binoculars or a telescope.
Each month, Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory astronomer Eric McLaughlin spotlights a notable celestial event. Witness this lunar occultation of Mars at the observatory to use a professional telescope. For details on public stargazing sessions and observatory events, visit ranchomiragelibrary.org/observatory.
