The Moon Occults Venus
Astronomers and skywatchers in the Santa Barbara area can observe a rare lunar occultation of Venus on June 17. The event involves the Moon passing in front of Venus, temporarily obscuring the planet from view during daylight hours.
Why it matters
Celestial events provide educational opportunities for public engagement with astronomy and space science.
On Wednesday morning, June 17, you can watch the dark edge of the slim waxing crescent Moon pass in front of brilliant Venus from Santa Barbara s point of view. Because the sky will be bright enough to overwhelm the shadowed portion of the Moon, Venus will appear to wink out while still in blue sky.
The content is purely scientific and observational with no political or social bias.
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