On the night of December 7, 2024, a remarkable celestial event unfolded: Mars emerged from behind the Moon, captivating skywatchers worldwide.
Astrophotographer Tom Glenn, based in San Diego, captured this moment with stunning clarity.
His image shows Mars appearing just above the ancient lunar crater Abel, near the Moon’s southeastern edge, with the large crater Humboldt visible to the north.
This event, known as a lunar occultation, occurs when the Moon passes in front of a planet or star, temporarily obscuring it from view. Such alignments are relatively rare and depend on precise celestial mechanics.
The December 7th occultation was particularly special because Mars was only 82 million kilometers away, allowing for a dramatic juxtaposition against the Moon’s textured surface—all without requiring exposure adjustments.
Lunar occultations offer more than just visual splendor; they provide valuable opportunities for scientific observation.
By studying these events, astronomers can refine measurements of the Moon’s orbit and better understand the dynamics of our solar system. For amateur astronomers and photographers like Glenn, they present a chance to capture the interplay between celestial bodies in our night sky.
Tom Glenn’s photograph not only showcases the beauty of the event but also highlights the accessibility of astrophotography.
With advancements in technology, enthusiasts can capture high-quality images of astronomical phenomena from their backyards. Glenn’s dedication and skill serve as an inspiration to others interested in exploring the night sky through the lens of a camera.
In the coming months, skywatchers can look forward to more celestial events. For instance, on January 13, 2025, another lunar occultation of Mars is expected, coinciding with the full Wolf Moon.
This event will be visible in many parts of the world, offering another opportunity to witness the Moon and Mars in close conjunction. Additionally, Mars will reach opposition on January 16, 2025, making it appear brighter and larger in the night sky.
For those interested in observing these events, it’s advisable to check local astronomical resources for exact timings and visibility in your area.
Equipped with binoculars or a small telescope, observers can enjoy these spectacles and deepen their appreciation for the dynamic nature of our solar system.
References
In-The-Sky.org. (2024). Lunar occultation of Mars. Retrieved from https://in-the-sky.org/news.php?id=20241218_16_100
Tom Glenn (@thomasdglenn) – Instagram. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/thomasdglenn/
NASA Science. (2025). January’s Night Sky Notes: The Red Planet. Retrieved from https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/skywatching/night-sky-network/jan2025-night-sky-notes/
Hashem Al-Ghaili – Facebook. (2024). Photographer captures the exact moment Mars peeked out from behind the Moon. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/ScienceNaturePage/posts/photographer-captures-the-exact-moment-mars-peeked-out-from-behind-the-moonon-th/1128603455387189/
People.com. (2025). How to Watch the Mars Occultation During January’s Supermoon. Retrieved from https://people.com/how-to-watch-mars-occultation-during-january-full-moon-2025-8770741
Sky & Telescope. (2022). Mars Extravaganza — Occultation and Opposition Rolled into One!. Retrieved from https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/mars-extravaganza-occultation-and-opposition-rolled-into-one/
Saint Louis Science Center. (2024). Night Sky Update: December 9-17, 2024. Retrieved from https://www.slsc.org/night-sky-update-december-9-17-2024/
