Occultation

An occultation occurs when one celestial body temporarily blocks or covers another as seen from Earth. For example, when the Moon passes in front of a star or planet, it obscures the distant object from view. This event provides valuable information about the size, position, and features of the hidden object, and helps scientists study the celestial bodies involved. Occultations are predictable and occur regularly, offering a unique window into understanding the universe through precise observations of how objects align and move relative to each other.