Let’s Observe the Spectacle of Aldebaran Concealed by the Moon!

Before dawn on November 16, the bright Moon waning after full phase hides the 1st magnitude star Aldebaran in the constellation Taurus, causing an “Occultation of Aldebaran.”

Almost all of Japan should be able to observe the entire phenomenon, from disappearance to reappearance. Because it occurs high in the sky, it should be observable under good conditions, but you can see it in more detail by using a telescope or binoculars.

As seen from Tokyo, “disappearance,” when Aldebaran is hidden by the Moon’s bright edge, is at around 2:23; “reappearance” when Aldebaran emerges from the Moon’s dark edge is at around 3:27. After reappearance, you should be able to verify Aldebaran shining with orange light right next to the Moon.

The timing of the disappearance and reappearance depend on the viewing location. Also, for part of the Nansei Islands, an occultation of Aldebaran does not occur, instead the Moon and Aldebaran merely pass close by each other. The predicted times for the occultation of Aldebaran at major locations in Japan are as follows.