LOS ANGELES (CNS) – A relatively rare astronomical event will occur Wednesday when Venus disappears behind the moon as seen from Los Angeles, and Griffith Observatory plans to capture the phenomenon on video.
Astronomers refer to the event as a lunar occultation, which occurs when the moon passes between Earth and another celestial object.
The occultation is scheduled to begin about 11:40 a.m. Wednesday, when the moon will pass directly in front of Venus and temporarily block the planet from view. Venus is expected to reappear from behind the moon around 12:44 p.m., according to Griffith Observatory.
Observatory officials said the event will be difficult for most people to observe because it will occur during daylight hours. Telescopes at Griffith Observatory will record the disappearance and reappearance of Venus, weather permitting.
A replay of the occultation will be available Thursday on Griffith Observatory’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@GriffithObservatory.
The event will be visible across much of North America, including Southern California. Griffith Observatory said a Venus occultation visible from Los Angeles is relatively uncommon and will not be seen again from the region until October 2029.
Skywatchers will have another celestial display to enjoy after sunset Wednesday, when the waxing crescent moon will appear near Venus, Jupiter and Mercury in the western sky.
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