The moon’s position will move towards mars tonight, with the expected start of the event between 20:50 and 21:20 hrs tonight, eastern standard time. I’m going to go out and take a peek at it after I post this, and probably set up my smaller “grab-and-go” 80 mm telescope. It’s a handy little thing.
I spotted Mars last night with the telescope but I had some ice on the deck so I didn’t stay out long (deck freezes before ground, just like a bridge). I shoveled off most of the surface and it was warmer today so the ice is pretty much gone.
I have pretty clear skies so I ought to get a look.
Lunar occultation of Mars across the contiguous United States: Jan. 13. Extreme southern US sees Mars move behind the southern portion of the moon, and the northern US sees the planet move behind the northern portion of the moon.
...snip...
Approximate local times of disappearance and reappearance.
Begin viewing ten minutes before your estimated time. Mars' time and position of reappearance is difficult to judge since the planet
City Disappearance Reappearance
Albuquerque 6:51 pm 7:52
Augusta 9:29 10:44
Atlanta 9:06 10:13
Boise 7:06 7:49
Boston 9:26 10:42
Chicago 8:08 9:16
Dallas 7:54 8:57
Denver 6:57 7:57
Kansas City 8:00 9:06
Memphis 8:00 9:07
Minneapolis 8:08 9:10
Los Angeles 5:51 6:45
Miami 9:30 9:53
New Orleans 8:00 8:59
New York 9:21 10:37
Phoenix 6:49 7:48
Salt Lake City 6:59 7:52
San Antonio 7:52 8:50
San Diego 5:49 6:45
San Francisco 5:58 6:45
Seattle 6:23 6:39
Washington DC 9:16 10:31