Moon / Pleiades Occultations

On the afternoon of Jan 27th, the Moon passed in front of the Pleiades. This took place during late afternoon and was almost complete as twilight fell. However, the final stages were just visible through broken cloud.



This image, taken at 17:05, shows Alcyone, the brightest member of the Pleiades (arrowed), shortly after it passed very close to the southern limb of the Moon. From Stirling Alcyone was not quite occulted, but from a position slightly north or west of Stirling, a grazing occultation would have been possible.

There will be a better opportunity on Feb 23rd, when the Moon will pass in front of the Pleiades between 22:30 and midnight. Shortly after that watch out for a close shave with Saturn on March 2nd.

For further details, see the SPA Occultations Section

Moon from Old High School Telescope



The Telescope is working as well as ever, as shown by this shot taken through the eyepiece with a mobile phone !

Image: 26th January 2007

Comet McNaught

After the excitement of Comet Swan at the end of last year, 2007 is starting with another bright comet. Comet McNaught is one of the brightest for many years and is visible to the naked eye or with binoculars for a short time after sunset.

But hurry - this comet will only be around for the next few days !



Comet McNaught at sunset on Jan 10th.
Photo: Alan Cayless

Story and Finder Chart on Spaceweather.com

SPA story and finder charts