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Jupiter Occulted by the Moon

Posted by michael on from the photo-op dept.

flag burning writes "A rare and spectacular event will occur in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Dec. 7 when the brilliant planet Jupiter and three of its largest satellites pass behind Earth's Moon. Along the Eastern Seaboard, the Moon will be more than 20 degrees above the horizon when it covers Jupiter in the predawn hours."

4 of 27 comments (clear)

  1. Huh ? by noselasd · · Score: 4, Informative

    I could have sworn it should be "occluded", but ;

    occult Audio pronunciation of "occulted" ( P ) Pronunciation Key (-klt, klt)
    adj.

    1. Of, relating to, or dealing with supernatural influences, agencies, or phenomena.
    2. Beyond the realm of human comprehension; inscrutable.
    3. Available only to the initiate; secret: occult lore. See Synonyms at mysterious.
    4. Hidden from view; concealed.
    5.
    1. Medicine. Detectable only by microscopic examination or chemical analysis, as a minute blood sample.
    2. Not accompanied by readily detectable signs or symptoms: occult carcinoma.

    1. Re:Huh ? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

      "The Occult" == term used by Christians to describe hidden sects.

      Also "ocultar" == "to hide" in Spanish, so it makes perfect sense to me...

  2. occultation visibility by OneOver137 · · Score: 4, Informative

    Here's a link with more information for those who are interested in the event.

    For those who aren't, it may not be visible to you anyway.

  3. Re:Spectacular? by Ayaress · · Score: 2, Informative

    Ganymede and Callisto are actually far enough away from Jupiter that they aren't always occluded with the planet. Ganymede is over 1,070,000 kilometers from Jupiter, and Callisto is 1,883,000 kilometers from Jupiter.