Catch a Rare Lunar Occultation Jupiter Plus Saturn at Opposition in Early October

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Catch a Rare Lunar Occultation Jupiter Plus Saturn at Opposition in Early October, according to Universe Today. The first full week of October sees two top-notch skywatching events, with Saturn reaching opposition, and the Moon occulting Jupiter for North America on October 6th. Catch a Rare Lunar Occultation Jupiter Plus Saturn at Opposition in Early October By David Dickinson - September 30, 2026 01:12 PM UTC | Observing The first week of October kicks off with two don’t miss skywatching events.

The event transpires in the early morning hours of Tuesday, October 6th, centered on 10:16 Universal Time/6:16 AM Eastern Time (EDT). The Moon is a -20% illuminated waning crescent when it covers up Jupiter, meaning the daytime illuminated side of the Moon will lead the way when Jupiter ingresses behind the Moon, and will reappear from behind the Moon’s dark limb.

The Moon moves its own half a degree apparent diameter about once every hour, though ingress/egress times will vary based on your location. The IOTA has a list of ingress/egress times for select sites along the path.