Friday, April 16, 2010
Venus, Moon and an Occultation of the Pleiades April 17, 6:00-7:00 pm
The evening sky facing west in Australia on April 17 at 6:25 pm local time showing Venus and the crescent Moon. The Moon occults some of the Pleiades cluster at this time from parts of Australia.On Saturday 17th April, the crescent Moon is close to Venus and for many folks in Australlia and New Zealand there is an occultation of the Pleiades, The link shows the local times of the occultation.
You will need a flat, unobscured horizon to see the occulation. You will probably need binoculars or a small telescope to see the Pleiades as the sky will be relatively bright and the stars will be dim.
In contrast, both Venus and the Moon are bright enough to see in the sky in the early twilight. Low, but high enough above the horizon that you should see them unless it's fairly hilly.
Even if you miss the occultation, or its not visible from your location. You will still see the crescent Moon close to the pretty cluster. Again, you may need binoculars to see the faint cluster close to the horizon.
Labels: Moon, Occultation, Pleiades, Venus
# posted by Ian Musgrave @ 9:10 am 
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