Moon Occults Pleiades - June 30

[Centaur]

The 11% illuminated waning crescent Moon will occult stars of the Pleiades (M45) cluster for many North Americans during the predawn hours of 2008 JUN 30. Immersions will occur on the Moon’s bright limb and emersions on the dark limb.

I’ve created a graze map. Observers on a graze path will be able to see a star winking on and off as lunar hills and valleys pass by. Those located north of a southern graze path or south of a northern one will see a full occultation of that star. To see the map, click: http://www.curtrenz.com/astronomical.html

Photos or descriptions of the event would be welcome additions to this thread.

[spaceboy0]

so what can I see from Vancouver?

[Centaur]

so what can I see from Vancouver?

Are you in British Columbia or Washington State? Better yet, give me your longitude, latitude and elevation above sea level. Among the 18 brightest Pleiads, HD 24802 at magnitude 6.2 is the only possibility for you. If you’re in Canada, you’ll see the full occultation. If in the US, the city of Vancouver is too far south, but a graze will occur not far to its north.

[spaceboy0]

Vancouver, BC, Canada... 49.2° N 123.2° W

however, I assume the occultation will happen on the brightened limb, I prefer occultations on the darkened limb; watching the star wink out against black is quite dramatic

[Centaur]

Vancouver, BC, Canada... 49.2° N 123.2° W

however, I assume the occultation will happen on the brightened limb, I prefer occultations on the darkened limb; watching the star wink out against black is quite dramatic


For your location, Spaceboy0, I predict that the immersion of HD 24802 will occur at 03:58:19 PDT at Zenith Angle 189.3 ° and emersion at 04:11:59 at ZA 221.8°. ZA is the star’s position on the lunar limb measured counterclockwise from the zenith.

Yes, it will be a waning Moon, therefore immersion will occur on the bright limb and emersion on the dark limb. However, the Moon will be a thin crescent, and especially thin and dim near a horn of the crescent where the immersion will take place. Not far to your south in Washington State the star will be grazed by the Moon. Next time I’ll try to arrange things to suit your preference. ;)

[spaceboy0]

I have fond memories of the time I watched the Moon wink out Aldebaran. I have photos. Can I scan and post here?

[spaceboy0]

yeah but the Moon will be below the horizon; starts at 11:47 p.m. Pacific time

[Centaur]

yeah but the Moon will be below the horizon; starts at 11:47 p.m. Pacific time

Fine, spaceboy0, don’t believe me. I’m sorry that you’re unappreciative of my efforts to help you.