Overview
- Skywatchers saw brilliant Venus close to a thin waxing crescent Moon low over the western horizon after sunset on Sunday, Sept. 13, forming a tight pairing with the star Spica nearby.
- Astronomical services predict the Moon will pass directly in front of Venus starting near 0926 GMT on Sept. 14 for parts of Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and southern India.
- Coverage differs on who will actually see the occult because it falls during daylight for much of the predicted path, with some outlets saying millions are positioned to observe it and others warning very few will have visible views.
- Observers are advised to use a clear, flat western horizon and act quickly after sunset because the pair sits under about 10 degrees elevation; binoculars can help spot the faint crescent and Spica and earthshine may reveal lunar surface detail.
- After the pairing, the Moon will move noticeably to the left of Venus by the evening of Sept. 15 and Venus will reach near-peak apparent brightness around Sept. 18, giving more photo and viewing opportunities.