SunLive – A rare and interesting event to take place

In the early hours of Friday, April 26, according to the Astronomical Society of Tauranga, a rare and interesting event will take place.

This event is the occultation or concealment of the planet Saturn by the Moon.

"Seen from Tauranga, the Moon will begin to overtake Saturn from 12:33, hiding Saturn from view," said the Tauranga Astronomical Society in a Facebook message.

"Saturn will be hidden for about an hour and ten minutes when the moon slides into its orbit for a month around the Earth.

"Saturn will emerge from behind the Moon at 1:44 am, appearing out of nowhere as it emerges from behind the dark half of the Moon.

"All the stars, the planets and the moon seem to be moving from east to west in the sky – but this is due to the rotation of the Earth from 24 hours west to east.

"The Moon is gravitating around the Earth from west to east – and we can see this movement against the stars and in this case against Saturn.

"Saturn will be at 9.75 AU, which is about 1.46 billion km.

"The Moon will be about 395,000 km from the Earth at that time, more than its average distance of 384,400 km.

"At 1:44 am, Saturn will reappear with its beautiful rings in mind.

"Like a solar or lunar eclipse, it is a rare event.If you have the opportunity to see the moon through a telescope or a pair of binoculars, this event would be worthwhile." to be observed. "

For more information and to view the video of this event, visit the Tauranga Astronomical Society Facebook page.