Venus to disappear behind moon in 'extremely rare' event

Stargazers are advised to keep watch as the sky brightens to witness the moon approaching Venus and then passing in front of it at around 9.30am on Thursday morning. Picture: Denis Minihane

Stargazers are in for an "extremely rare" spectacle on Thursday as the moon sets alongside Venus with both being visible in the sky. 

Venus will be visible from around 7am to 8am on Thursday morning, resembling a “super bright star” in the sky.

Astronomy Ireland CEO David Moore said the occurrence will be a “really amazing sight”, as it will give people the opportunity to witness two of the brightest objects in the sky in such close proximity.

Stargazers are advised to keep watch as the sky brightens to witness the moon approaching the planet and then passing in front of it at around 9.30am.

The phenomenon, known as an 'occultation event', will see Venus emerging from behind the moon at around 10.30am on Thursday morning.

"Venus is by far the brightest planet in the sky and is about 100 times brighter than the brightest star in the sky so it is absolutely unmistakable every morning this month while it is at its best," Mr Moore said.

Most people will be up between 7am and 8am for school or work, and if they just look out the window, they'll see the moon, and stuck near the bottom of the moon will be Venus.” 

Frances McCarthy, of Blackrock Castle Observatory in Cork, said: "The moon will pass between us and Venus at about 9.45am, which will make Venus seem to disappear."

Tomorrow will mark the first time this rarity has occurred in over 34 years, Mr Moore said

He added that the best place to view the spectacular event "is wherever you're standing on Thursday morning”. He said it will be easily spotted from all corners of the country.