A rare astronomical event will occur on January 13, as Mars disappears behind the full moon in a lunar occultation. This event, which marks the only lunar occultation of Mars in 2025, will be visible across the contiguous United States, parts of Canada, Mexico, and Western Africa.
Coinciding with Mars’ opposition, when the planet is directly opposite the sun, the Red Planet will appear at its brightest and largest. Mars will also be at its closest point to Earth during this time. Stargazers can witness the planet’s disappearance behind the moon at 8:44 p.m. EST, with its reappearance at 12:52 a.m. EST on January 14, although exact times may vary by location.
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For the best experience, viewers are encouraged to find dark areas, free from artificial light, and allow their eyes to adjust. While Mars will be visible to the naked eye, binoculars or telescopes will offer a clearer view of the planet’s red surface, as well as the moon’s craters. Some lucky observers may even spot Mars’ northern polar ice cap and the vast Valles Marineris canyon.
This lunar occultation will be a spectacular sight, but it won’t be visible from the U.S. again until 2042, so it’s an opportunity not to be missed.
