Summary Points
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Lunar Occultation Alert: A slender crescent moon will occult the Pleiades star cluster on July 20, 2025, visible in the U.S. and Canada; best viewing is after midnight before dawn.
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Importance of Timing: Those keen to witness the event should stay up or set alarms, as moonrise occurs around 1:00 a.m. local time; binoculars or a small telescope are recommended for optimal sightings.
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Visibility Challenges: Brightening twilight in northeastern areas may obstruct visibility of some stars during the occultation; nonetheless, the crescent moon’s alignment with Pleiades is still visually appealing.
- Specific Star Timetables: Detailed timing for the disappearance and reappearance of the Pleiades stars (Electra, Alcyone, Atlas, Maia) is provided for various U.S. and Canadian cities, highlighting optimal observation times.
Catch the Moon and Pleiades on July 20
If you live in the contiguous U.S. or Canada, mark your calendar for the early morning of July 20. For the last time this year, the moon will cross the Pleiades star cluster. Clear skies and a sense of wonder await those willing to gaze skyward.
After midnight and before dawn, head outside. Look low in the east-northeast sky for a slender crescent moon. Just four days shy of the new moon, this crescent will be 23% illuminated. As it approaches the Pleiades, a brilliant display will unfold.
This event represents the third and final lunar occultation of the Pleiades in 2025. Earlier this year, two encounters dazzled skywatchers. On January 9, an 82% waxing gibbous moon hid the Pleiades. Then, on February 5-6, a 61% waxing gibbous moon did the same.
For this final rendezvous, you have a choice: stay up or set an early alarm. Moonrise occurs around 1:00 a.m. local daylight time. Binoculars or a small telescope will enhance your viewing experience. A telescope with 50x magnification will help you track stars as they disappear behind the moon’s edge.
Stars will reemerge about an hour later. They will appear suddenly, as if someone flipped a switch. For best results, watch closely at that precise moment.
In northeastern U.S. and Canada’s Maritime Provinces, twilight may hinder visibility. The brightening sky could obscure some stars. However, the image of the crescent moon above the Pleiades will still create a lovely scene.
Further west, the sky will be darker, but the moon and Pleiades will be closer to the horizon. Clear, unobstructed views will be crucial. Enthusiasts and newcomers alike can enjoy this stunning spectacle.
This celestial event highlights humanity’s ongoing fascination with the stars. Such moments connect us to the universe and spark interest in science and technology. With telescopes and binoculars, people gain access to insights about our cosmos.
Don’t miss this opportunity to witness a beautiful interplay of the moon and stars. It’s a reminder of how the sky can inspire exploration and discovery. Enjoy the show!
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