The First Quarter Moon Occultation the Pleiades (M45)

Lately we have had the opportunity to observe a Moon Occultation of the Pleiades. This occurred again on Feb 5th and this time, all the conditions (or at least most of them ) cooperated and I was able to see the event.

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What is a Moon Occultation of the Pleiades?

For about 2 hours on Wednesday evening, Feb 5th, 2025 around midnight, the first quarter moon will pass in front of the Pleiades stars. An occultation by the Moon means the stars will vanish behind it. This celestial event promises to be a spectacular sight for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts. It’s a unique opportunity to witness the dynamic movements of our solar system, and the interplay between the moon and distant stars. The Pleiades, often known as the Seven Sisters, are a prominent cluster of stars visible in the Taurus constellation. Their disappearance behind the moon creates a visual drama in the night sky that is both scientifically intriguing and visually stunning.

During the occultation, as the moon travels from west to east across our sky, each star of the Pleiades will sequentially disappear behind the moon’s dark limb and reappear on its illuminated side. This process will provide a breathtaking display and an excellent opportunity for photography. Observers with telescopes will have the chance to see the stars wink out one by one in a captivating sequence.

Preparations for the Moon Occultation of the Pleiades Event

The night sky was a captivating canvas, awaiting the imminent celestial dance between the Moon and the Pleiades (Moon Occultation of the Pleiades.) As an avid stargazer, I couldn’t resist the lure of capturing this event despite the frigid weather conditions. The forecast warned of extreme cold, with temperatures plummeting to -21°C, and a biting wind chill that made it feel even colder. Nevertheless, the skies were clear and cloudless, offering a perfect opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts.

Undeterred by the icy climate, I prepared my DSLR camera, mounting it on a sturdy tripod. Equipped with a 255mm lens, I aimed to photograph the luminous disk of the Moon alongside the brightest stars of the Pleiades cluster (Moon Occultation of the Pleiades.) Although I knew that my camera’s dynamic range and optical capabilities might not match those of the latest models, I was confident that it would still provide a satisfactory view of the spectacle.

The challenge lay in balancing the brightness of the Moon against the fainter stars of the Pleiades. I anticipated that some of the finer details might be lost in the process, but capturing the essence of the event was my primary goal. As the night progressed, I marveled at the serene beauty of the scene unfolding before me, grateful for the chance to witness such a remarkable alignment.

What results did I obtain

Image 1

Getting towards the end

Resources/Links:

M45 – https://rogernelson.ca/portfolio-item/m45-pleiades/

M45 – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleiades

Also visit here for this month’s events  https://www.astronomicus.ca/2025/01/17/february-2025-events-to-explore/

About the Author:   More information can be found:

www.rogernelson.ca Roger Nelson Astronomy

www.astronomicus.ca Astronomicus – All things Astronomical