Space Weather News for March 31, 2006

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A couple of days ago, people were excited when the Moon eclipsed the sun, a
single star. On Saturday, April 1st, the Moon is going to eclipse an entire star
cluster--the Pleiades. The eclipse (or "occultation") will be visible from
eastern and central parts of North America. Start looking as soon as the sun
sets. The slender crescent moon will pop out of the western twilight next to or
among the stars of the Pleiades. Binoculars are recommended but not required.

Of special interest is a set of grazing occultations visible from Washington,
DC; Birmingham, Alabama; Statesboro, Georgia; and Hilton Head island, South
Carolina. Sky watchers there can see stars grazing the lunar limb, blinking in
and out among the mountains of the moon.

Even if you're outside the occultation-zone, be sure to scan the western sky on
Saturday night. The slender crescent moon, complete with Earthshine, will be
pleasingly close to the Pleiades no matter where you live.

Visit http://Spaceweather.com for sky maps and more information.