Explanation of Tonight's Saturn Occultation [2 minutes 10 seconds] From the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ)

↓ [Video explanation - Reprinted from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ)]
After sunset on December 8, 2024, a Saturn occultation will occur. This is an astronomical phenomenon where the Moon hides Saturn.

Saturn will be hidden by the dark side of the Moon, which will be nearly at its half-moon phase, and will reappear from the bright side.

This Saturn occultation will be visible in regions on the southeastern side of the Japanese archipelago.
In regions where an occultation does not occur, you will be able to see the Moon and Saturn passing close to each other.
This difference in appearance depending on your location is another characteristic of the event.

Because Saturn is a very bright celestial body, you should be able to observe it being hidden even with the naked eye.
On the other hand, since it will reappear from the bright side of the Moon, it might be difficult to see with the naked eye.
Using binoculars or a telescope will make it easier to observe.

Saturn is a planet in our solar system, so it is a celestial body relatively close to Earth.
Other stars are very far away and appear as small points, but Saturn has an apparent size.
Therefore, it takes time for it to be hidden and to reappear.
In the case of distant stars, it happens in an instant.

Seeing it with your own eyes is best, but
if you cannot see it due to bad weather, enjoying it via a live stream is also a good option.
The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan also plans to conduct a live stream.

Let's enjoy the Saturn occultation on December 8!

[End of video explanation - Reprinted from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ)]