Jupiter Occultation Watch

Join us at the Heide Observatory for a rare Lunar Occultation of Jupiter, an early-morning observing event on October 6 from 2:45–4:45 AM, when the Moon will move across the sky and temporarily block Jupiter from view. During this event, guests will observe Jupiter approach the Moon, disappear behind its edge, and later reappear as the Moon continues its orbit, offering a dramatic demonstration of celestial motion in real time. Observatory staff will guide guests through telescope viewing and explain why occultations occur, how the Moon’s motion reveals the dynamics of our solar system, and why events like this are visible only from certain locations on Earth. This is an early-morning (AM) event, and viewing success depends on timing and clear skies, but when conditions cooperate, lunar occultations provide some of the most striking and memorable planetary observations available.