The 22% illuminated waning crescent Moon will occult the Pleiades (M45) cluster during the predawn hours of 2009 JUL 18 for observers in Europe, North Africa and the Near East. Immersions will occur on the lunar bright limb and emersions on the dark limb.

The northern graze path for the brightest Pleiad, Alcyone, will enter England at its southwest tip, then move through Wales before reentering the sea near Bridington on the east coast. Lesser lights 24 Tauri and HD 23923 have graze paths traversing the far southeast of England. The northern graze path for Electra, third brightest Pleiad, will pass through Sicily, southern Italy, the Balkans and on into Russia.

Observers on a graze path will be able to see a star winking on and off as lunar hills and valleys pass by. Those watching from between graze paths will see full occultations.

I’ve created a general graze map, a close-up graze map for the UK, and a preview image of the event as seen from London. They can be seen by clicking: http://www.curtrenz.com/astronomical

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

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Curt Renz - "Centaur"
For monthly astronomical calendar visit:
www.CurtRenz.com/astronomical