On the morning of July 20, skywatchers across the United States and Canada will be treated to one of the sky’s most elegant spectacles: the Moon passing in front of the Pleiades star cluster. Known as a lunar occultation, this rare event is a reminder of the intricate motions of our solar system — and of the stories humanity has told about the stars for millennia.
Below, we explore the science, the cultural significance, and the viewing tips for this fleeting but unforgettable phenomenon.
An occultation occurs when one celestial body moves in front of another from an observer’s viewpoint, temporarily blocking it from sight.
The article is not finished. Click on the next page to continue.
The article is not finished. Click on the next page to continue.
Next page
