Moon to 'swallow' Mars in rare lunar occultation

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A rare astronomical event will take place as Mars disappears behind the full moon in a lunar occultation.

This event, visible from the United States on January 13, marks the only lunar occultation of Mars this year.

The event coincides with Mars' opposition, when the planet will be directly opposite the sun in the sky, making it appear at its brightest and largest.

Mars will be at its closest point to Earth during this time. The lunar occultation of Mars will be visible across the contiguous US, parts of Canada, Mexico, and Western Africa.

Mars will begin to disappear behind the moon at 8:44 p.m. EST on January 13 and will reappear at 12:52 a.m. EST on January 14, though these times may vary depending on location.

Stargazers are encouraged to find dark areas away from artificial light and allow time for their eyes to adjust for the best viewing experience.

While Mars will be visible to the naked eye, the event can be viewed more clearly with binoculars or a telescope.

High-powered optics will provide a close-up view of the Red Planet's red hues and the moon's craters, with some observers potentially spotting Mars' northern polar ice cap and the Valles Marineris, the largest canyon in the solar system.

The next lunar occultation of Mars will occur in February but will be visible only from parts of northern Scandinavia, Russia, and Asia.

The next lunar occultation of Mars visible in the US will not take place until 2042.