Get ready for a stunning cosmic event! On April 19, a thin crescent moon will pass in front of the Pleiades star cluster, creating a beautiful sight. This event, known as an occultation, will be visible online through a livestream by the Virtual Telescope Project at 2 PM EDT (6 PM GMT).
During this event, the moon will be just 7% illuminated. While people in the U.S. will miss the daytime show, viewers in Italy will have the best seat in the house as the moon slips away from the Pleiades after sunset. Gianluca Masi, the founder of the Virtual Telescope Project, described it as a “memorable sight” and highlighted the moon’s elegant crescent along with the mysterious glow of the Pleiades, which lies about 445 light-years from Earth.
Earthshine, a phenomenon where sunlight reflects off the Earth onto the moon, will add to the beauty of this spectacle. This effect will make the dark side of the moon faintly visible, revealing its surface.
Interestingly, this occultation comes just two days after the new moon on April 17, when the sky is usually darker. This makes the stars of the Pleiades even more vibrant against the backdrop of the night sky. The Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters, consists of over 1,000 stars, making it one of the brightest star clusters visible.
In recent years, events like this have gained popularity on social media, with hashtags like #PleiadesOccultation trending during such celestial occurrences. Followers of astronomy eagerly share their views and excitement, connecting with others around the world.
To witness this cosmic dance, tune in online and experience the wonders of our universe. If you’re into stargazing, don’t miss this unique opportunity!
You can learn more about the event and view the livestream here: Virtual Telescope Project on YouTube.
