In a rare event earlier this month, the moon eclipsed Saturn, meaning that from Earth’s perspective, Saturn traveled across the sky behind the moon.
It was possible to see with the naked eye, although it was better to see with binoculars or a telescope. astronomer and extraordinary photographer Dr. Gianluca Masi captured the event in remarkable detail using a remote-controlled telescope Virtual Telescope ProjectWhich was founded by Masi in Italy in 2006.
As reported by spaceMasi observed the occultation of Saturn by the moon on January 4, 2025, capturing a series of images that he used to create the composite seen above.
“The above image comes from a combination of multiple exposures, taken remotely with an ARTEC250+Paramount ME+C3Pro61000EC robotic unit available as part of the Virtual Telescope Project facility in Manciano, Italy, and covering both the beginning and end of the event. Does it. Aunt tells.
The revelation began at 17:43 UTC when Saturn disappeared behind the dark side of the moon. The rising crescent moon was about 25% illuminated that night. 47 minutes later, Saturn reappeared, emerging from behind the Moon’s illuminated area.
“What a memorable sight, we are delighted to bring the opportunity for the world community to see it,” Masi writes.
The entire event was live-streamed on YouTube by The Virtual Telescope Project, a replay of which is available below.
The Virtual Telescope Project provides remote real-time access to several robotic telescopes. Provided by the Bellatrix Astronomical Observatory in Italy and managed by Dr. Massey, the project relies on generous donation To survive, because it provides free and limited cost access to people around the world who would otherwise be unable to participate in astronomy.
The project states, “We believe everyone has the right to access and explore our amazing universe, because it makes us better people.”
Image Credit: Virtual Telescope Project / Dr. Gianluca Masi. Thanks to massive donations, the Virtual Telescope Project can provide free and low-cost remote telescope access to budding astronomers around the world. Additional information about the project and donation options are available at website,