Later this week, the Moon passes through Leo and briefly aligns with Regulus, the constellation’s brightest star and one of the four first-magnitude stars that lie along the Moon’s path.
On the evening of April 26th, contributor Bob King writes, observers across much of the eastern United States will be able to watch as the Moon occults Regulus. The star will appear to hover at the Moon’s dark limb before vanishing instantly, then reappear along the bright edge some time later.
It's a striking and accessible event, visible with the naked eye or binoculars.
This is the last opportunity this year to watch a Regulus occultation. To help you plan your viewing, Sky & Telescope's full guide includes detailed timing, visibility maps, and expert observing tips: |
