Get ready for the year’s only planetary occultation! Unique view in Budapest this week

Following the surreal aurora borealis in Hungary, another celestial event graces the sky this week. The year’s only planetary occultation is happening soon, and it can be seen in Budapest too.

Celestial phenomena in Hungary

As we have reported HERE, the aurora illuminated the night skies of Hungary last week. This occurrence, while not as common in Hungary as in Norway, was equally breathtaking. It marked the second aurora borealis of the year in Hungary; you can read about the first one HERE. Worry not if you have missed this celestial spectacle because you have the opportunity to witness the year’s only planetary occultation this Thursday. If you have some free time, consider paying a visit to an observatory.

Planetary occultation

Roadster has informed that a slender crescent moon (15%) will grace the southwestern sky. At the onset of the occultation, it will be positioned 33 degrees above the horizon. The crescent moon will draw near to the bright daytime sky star, Venus, sharing the same line of sight. The view promises to be quite unique, owing to the contrasting sizes and brightness of these two planets. The Moon will appear 88 times larger than Venus, making the planet seem exceptionally tiny. However, Venus will radiate 25 times more brightness than the Moon. Consequently, its light will pierce through the vast crescent moon. Adding to the spectacle, the Schickard crater, one of the planet’s largest, measuring 212 kilometres in diameter, will also be visible on the Moon’s southern part.

Where and when to see it

You can witness this rare celestial event from Budapest, as the planets will “converge” at 11.10 a.m. this Thursday. Although, it will last for just a brief moment, as Venus will disappear behind the Moon after just one minute. Venus will be concealed by the Moon for about an hour, and then the planet’s southern part will emerge first from the lunar limb. To get the best view, it is highly advised to visit an observatory and follow the happenings through a telescope. Some observatories, such as the Sábhegyi Csillagvizsgáló, await visitors with special programmes for the day.

Source: MTI