Lunar Occultation of Mars Broadcast – January 30, 2023
Live online broadcast from Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles, CA | January 30, 2023
On the evening of January 30, 2023, there will be a lunar occultation of Mars by the Moon visible from Los Angeles.
Griffith Observatory is hosting an online broadcast of the occultation of Mars by the Moon on January 30, 2023, from 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., PST. The Observatory will stream the occultation live online, weather permitting.
The Observatory will NOT be holding an onsite public observing event.
NOTE: If skies are clear, the occultation should be visible to the unaided eye from anywhere in southern California. It is safe to view an occultation without any eye protection. You do not need a telescope to see an occultation. Just go outside and look up to the south.
Mars Occultation
Mars Occultation Timeline (All Times in PST)
| 8:00 p.m. | Online broadcast begins |
| 8:36 p.m. | Mars disappears behind the Moon |
| 9:30 p.m. | Mars reappears from behind the Moon |
| 10:00 p.m. | Online broadcast ends |
What is an Occultation?
An occultation of Mars occurs when the planet disappears from view directly behind the Moon and reappears on the opposite side. On January 30, Mars will disappear behind the full Moon at 8:36 p.m., PST for one hour before reappearing from the opposite side at 9:30 p.m.
Advice for Viewing
If skies are clear, the occultation will be visible to the unaided eye from anywhere in southern California. It is safe to view an occultation without any eye protection. You do not need a telescope to see an occultation though telescopes or binoculars may enhance the view. Just go outside and look up to the south.