Tonight offers a rare astronomical treat as the moon graces the sky by partially covering the 'Seven Sisters' of the Pleiades star cluster. This event, known as an occultation, allows stargazers across North America to witness the moon pass in front of the twinkling stars of this iconic cluster—a sight that promises to be both enchanting and memorable.

This celestial event will unfold on January 9, when the moon, slightly past its first quarter phase and illuminated at about 82%, will glide through the star-studded Pleiades—an experience that’s simply too magical to miss!

The Occultation Series: A Celestial Cycle

It’s important to note that the moon frequently obscures stars as it travels across the night sky. However, this current series of occultations is particularly unique. It began on November 16, 2023, and will continue until July 2029, offering multiple opportunities to witness this awe-inspiring phenomenon. After 2029, these occultations will shift south until the next series begins in 2042.

Historically, the last notable series of Pleiades occultations occurred from 2005 to 2010, showcasing how rare these opportunities are. With a wealth of celestial mechanics behind it, this show happens because the Pleiades sits just north of the ecliptic, meaning its visibility is dictated by the moon’s orbit.

When and Where to Look

The visual experience will vary widely based on location. For those in the western regions of the U.S. and Canada, the moon will start its magical dance soon after sunset. However, eastern observers may have to wait longer due to the sky's brightness lingering after dusk.

For the best viewing experience, a pair of binoculars will reveal the brightest Pleiad, Alcyone, blinking out of sight as the moon approaches. Those with telescopes will have the advantage of spotting the fainter members as they disappear behind the lunar silhouette.

In cities like New York, here’s a timeline for tonight's show: - Electra (magnitude 3.7) will vanish around 7:06 PM EST. - Merope (4.2) will be next at 7:35 PM EST. - Finally, at 8:18 PM EST, Alcyone will disappear from view.

As the night progresses, the moon will move across the Pleiades, covering Pleione (5.0) at 9:21 PM and Atlas (3.6) just before 9:33 PM. However, it’s worth noting that two prominent Pleiades stars, Maia and Taygeta, will evade the lunar cover entirely.

A World to Observe

If you’re hoping to catch this event, the International Occultation Timers Association (IOTA) provides localized timetables for the disappearance and reappearance of several Pleiades stars. While the event technically occurs after midnight Universal Time on January 10, local conversions will keep the night alive on January 9 in most time zones.

Visibility varies: Alcyone will be visible primarily across the U.S. and parts of Western Europe, while Atlas can be seen in Canada and much of the U.S., with the southeastern states missing out. Electra and Maia will be viewable to folks in the southeastern U.S., Central America, and parts of West Africa.

Final Thoughts: An Experience You Shouldn't Pass Up!

Witnessing the moon obscure and reveal the stars of the Pleiades is a breathtaking experience that brings a tangible sense of our moon's dance around our planet. As noted by enthusiasts, including Alan MacRobert, Senior Editor of Sky & Telescope, the experience of seeing stars suddenly wink out against the backdrop of the moon is mesmerizing—almost like a magical light switch being flipped off.

Mark your calendars, gather your friends, and step outside tonight to look up. The cosmos is putting on a show, and you’ll want a front-row seat to this celestial ballet! 🌌✨