How to Watch the Mars Occultation During January's Supermoon

Mar. 15, 2025

Moon and Mars conjunction.Photo:TacioPhilip/Getty

TacioPhilip/Getty

Point your eyes to the sky!The moon will occult Mars on Jan. 13, a rare extraterrestrial event that coincides with the first full lunation of the year.January’s full moon, nicknamed the Wolf Moon, will pass in front of our Red Planet, making it disappear in the night for skywatchers looking up. The best part? The astronomical phenomenon will be visible in most parts of the world.Furthermore, skywatchers will be able to watch the moon pass in front of Mars with the naked eye, depending on where the event is being viewed from Earth. According toNASA, the occultation will take place for more than an hour in specific parts of the United States.The upcoming event is just another example of Mars on the move! Astrologically, the red planet left Leo andreturned to Cancer on Jan. 6where it initially resided at 17 degrees in October 2024. As Mars continues its transit, the space agency says you’ll notice it getting brighter and brighter.By the night of Jan. 16, Mars will reach opposition — meaning, that the planet will be directly opposite the Sun (as seen from Earth) and appear closer than it ever has before. In addition to its radiant appearance, NASA notes that even details could be visible through a telescope.Read on for how to watch the moon occult Mars!What is Mars occultation?View of the moon alongside planet Mars.Daniel Garzon Herazo/NurPhoto via GettyWhen the moon occults Mars, the lunar mass will appear to pass in front of the red planet in the night sky. During this event, which happens over the course of a few hours, the moon will be approaching its fullest phase.When will Mars occultation take place?The moon will begin to occult Mars after sundown around 8:44 p.m. ET on Monday, Jan. 13, and continue through early morning on Tuesday, Jan. 14 until approximately 1:52 a.m. ET.For more accurate timing closer to the event, check websites likeStellarium Webor the Astronomical League’s‘Moon Occults Mars’ chartto best gauge activity.How to watch the Mars occultation?Moon and mars.Naomi Rahim/GettyMany countries all over the world will be able to watch the moon occult Mars from Earth, including Europe, western Russia and Northern Africa, perIn the Sky. Parts of the United States, like eastern Alaska, are also predicted to have great views.The best part about this space event is that no equipment is necessary! Just look to the suggested southern skies, let your eyes adjust to the darkness and soak in the beauty of the moon and Mars.Like all astronomical events, however, the best views are dependent upon weather conditions (fingers crossed for clear skies, no rain and zero clouds)! Dark viewing areas are also a plus, so avoid places with light pollution when watching.When was the last Mars occultation?Thelast time the moon occulted marswas on Dec. 18, 2024.

Point your eyes to the sky!

The moon will occult Mars on Jan. 13, a rare extraterrestrial event that coincides with the first full lunation of the year.

January’s full moon, nicknamed the Wolf Moon, will pass in front of our Red Planet, making it disappear in the night for skywatchers looking up. The best part? The astronomical phenomenon will be visible in most parts of the world.

Furthermore, skywatchers will be able to watch the moon pass in front of Mars with the naked eye, depending on where the event is being viewed from Earth. According toNASA, the occultation will take place for more than an hour in specific parts of the United States.

The upcoming event is just another example of Mars on the move! Astrologically, the red planet left Leo andreturned to Cancer on Jan. 6where it initially resided at 17 degrees in October 2024. As Mars continues its transit, the space agency says you’ll notice it getting brighter and brighter.

By the night of Jan. 16, Mars will reach opposition — meaning, that the planet will be directly opposite the Sun (as seen from Earth) and appear closer than it ever has before. In addition to its radiant appearance, NASA notes that even details could be visible through a telescope.

Read on for how to watch the moon occult Mars!

What is Mars occultation?

View of the moon alongside planet Mars.Daniel Garzon Herazo/NurPhoto via Getty

When the moon occults Mars, the lunar mass will appear to pass in front of the red planet in the night sky. During this event, which happens over the course of a few hours, the moon will be approaching its fullest phase.

When will Mars occultation take place?

The moon will begin to occult Mars after sundown around 8:44 p.m. ET on Monday, Jan. 13, and continue through early morning on Tuesday, Jan. 14 until approximately 1:52 a.m. ET.

For more accurate timing closer to the event, check websites likeStellarium Webor the Astronomical League’s‘Moon Occults Mars’ chartto best gauge activity.

How to watch the Mars occultation?

Moon and mars.Naomi Rahim/Getty

Naomi Rahim/Getty

Many countries all over the world will be able to watch the moon occult Mars from Earth, including Europe, western Russia and Northern Africa, perIn the Sky. Parts of the United States, like eastern Alaska, are also predicted to have great views.

The best part about this space event is that no equipment is necessary! Just look to the suggested southern skies, let your eyes adjust to the darkness and soak in the beauty of the moon and Mars.

Like all astronomical events, however, the best views are dependent upon weather conditions (fingers crossed for clear skies, no rain and zero clouds)! Dark viewing areas are also a plus, so avoid places with light pollution when watching.

When was the last Mars occultation?

Thelast time the moon occulted marswas on Dec. 18, 2024.

source: people.com