A cosmic happening will be visible from our region early next week and the area Solar System Ambassador is spreading the word. On the evening of January 13th, the Moon will move in front of the Red Planet Mars blocking it from view for observers. According to NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador Patrick Wiggins, Utahans will see Mars disappear behind one side of the nearly full Moon around 6:58pm and reappear from behind the other side about an hour later at about 7:52pm. “Exact times will vary slightly depending on location,” shares Wiggins. “Events like this are called lunar occultations and while not especially rare they are unusual enough that most people have never seen one. Mars is very bright these days so optical aid may not be needed to view the event.” Still, having binoculars or a small telescope on hand could be helpful, adds Wiggins.
