Moon and Jupiter

For skywatchers across the eastern United States, the planet Jupiter will vanish early tomorrow – hidden behind the crescent Moon. The rest of the country will see an impressively close encounter between the two bodies. The vanishing act is an occultation – from a Latin word that means “to hide.” Over the centuries, astronomers used these events to learn more about the Jovian system. Precise timing of occultations helped astronomers understand the planet’s orbit, which helped them zero in on Jupiter’s distance. And it takes a few seconds for the planet to vanish and reappear. The exact timing, combined with Jupiter’s distance, helped refine its diameter. Occultation studies also have included radio waves. Jupiter’s magnetic field sculpts a teardrop-shaped “bubble” around the planet. It also creates powerful radiation belts. Watching Jupiter vanish behind the Moon revealed the extent of both. Occultations are less important to scientists than they once were – but they’re still fun to watch. This one plays out before or during dawn. Jupiter looks like a brilliant star. From the eastern U.S., it’ll wink out before dawn, with Jupiter and the Moon quite low in the sky. From a little farther west, the occultation will be in progress as they rise, with Jupiter popping into view shortly thereafter. Those in the western states will have to settle for an especially close encounter between Jupiter and the Moon. Script by Damond Benningfield