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A breathtaking celestial event

Madhur Tankha

NEW DELHI: Astronomy enthusiasts can now look forward to a celestial event called Lunar Occultation of Venus on June 18. Nehru Planetarium and Vigyan Prasar in collaboration with S.P.A.C.E. and Amateur Astronomers Association, Delhi, will conduct a public sky-watch for the event in the Capital. According to Nehru Planetarium Director N. Rathnasree, the event can be seen from most parts of the country, particularly rural areas because they have less of light pollution.

"Normally this event would not even require a telescope to view as Venus is usually bright enough not to be washed out by the glare of the Moon. Occultation of Venus by the Moon also happens when the Moon is in a crescent phase, thereby reducing the glare of the Moon."

Pointing out that a Lunar Occultation happens when a celestial body appears to have moved behind the Moon, Dr. Rathnasree says: "Such events happen very frequently, but in most cases the star being occulted may be very faint. However, when bright stars or planets such as Venus are occulted by the Moon, the event can be seen with the naked eyes."

As Moon and Venus approach each other, the ideal location to view the event will be the Jantar Mantar observatory. Nehru Planetarium is awaiting permission from the Archaeological Survey of India to conduct the event at Jantar Mantar. On June 18, the Crescent Moon and Venus can be viewed very close to each other in the western skies immediately after sunset. "They are going to be a breathtaking pair. As the evening progresses, the Moon will be seen to approach Venus and at 9-30 p.m. it will be seen from Delhi to move in front of Venus. This view may be a little difficult to catch, but if the western horizon is clear of dust, haze and clouds, the view of bright Venus slipping behind the dark portion of the Crescent Moon would be a truly beautiful sight."

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